2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
We begin today’s devotion with one of my favorite statements – where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. In Him we have freedom from the old ways, from the old covenant of the Law, freedom from oppression, from destruction, from anything that separates us from God. That freedom isn’t just something we experience one time. It is within us! We know it is within us because we received the Spirit upon hearing and believing, and that Spirit dwells within us. The Spirit brings freedom. The Spirit IS freedom, freedom from the bondage of the old covenant.
The next verse then goes on to say we are not only free, but we are being transformed. We are undergoing a complete change from the old self, being remade into an entirely new creation, a loved and cherished, righteous child of God.
But what did he mean that we have unveiled faces? What does this symbolize? In the past there was a veil that separated God from the priests in the Temple. And when Moses went before God, he had to wear a veil when with the Israelites because the glory of the Lord was blinding to them. These veils served the same purpose- separation from God’s wonderful presence.
Now we no longer have a veil that blocks our access. We now have an open, unhindered, clear and direct relationship with God.
And even better than that, we are being transformed into His likeness. As we fix our eyes on Him we are progressively changed. The Spirit works in us and through us, reshaping and remaking us. How amazing is that? The Spirit within us not only brings freedom but He transforms us. And one day, when we find ourselves before the Father, we will be accepted, loved, and welcomed.
Be the first to comment