Tag: veil
Ever-increasing glory!
Scripture reading for September 20th: 2nd Corinthians 3
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 3:9-15 “For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts.”
Paul was explaining the difference between the Old Covenant of Law mediated by Moses when he met with God face to face on the mountain and the New Covenant of righteousness by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant came with glory–a blazing fire kindled by God’s holy presence and a holy glow on Moses’ face when he came from his meeting with God. The glow would gradually fade away so Moses put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the glory fade away. Paul stated that this same veil is still over the Israelites that rejected Christ and the veil is only removed by faith in Christ. When one turns to the Lord, the Holy Spirit brings liberty from the law of sin and death and the fading glory and gives us access to God’s holy presence. We can behold His face and be permanently transformed with glory that is ever-increasing! Halleluiah! Let me in on this!
2nd Corinthians 3:16-18 “But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord Who is Spirit.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for the New Covenant provided for us through the blood sacrifice of Your Son on our behalf. Thank You for removing the veil from our minds and hearts and allowing us to behold Your transforming glory. Do whatever You desire to transform me into Your image by the Holy Spirit, from glory to glory!
Hebrews 10:12-14 “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until His enemies should be made a footstool for His feet. For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Faith unveils the glory!
Scripture reading for September 21st: Nahum, Psalm 149, 2nd Corinthians 4
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 4:3-6 “And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the Gospel for the glory of Christ, Who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Paul carefully explained to the Corinthians how the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings light to darkened hearts. Satan, the ‘god of this world’, acts to blind the minds and hearts of the unbeliever to block out the light. But those who have believed receive the light and proclaim the Gospel by confessing “Jesus is Lord!” We joyfully become servants of all men, proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the light of Jesus’ glory by living a holy and consecrated life. We long to see Jesus face to face in full glory!
Psalm 149:2 “Let Israel be glad in his Maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise His Name with dancing, making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre!”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, fill me with Your light and truth today that I may reflect “Jesus is Lord” to the world You want to reach with the Gospel. May Christ’s light overcome Satan’s dark veil of death today and forever as I call others to take refuge in You.
Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.”