The Veil is Removed

-

 


Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV)

16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 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 the Spirit.

Devotion:

            The veil spoken of in this scripture passage may puzzle Christians today as we are unfamiliar with the term and what it means. Since in today’s church no one wears veils. The saying comes from the book of Exodus where Moses wears a veil because his face shown with the glory of the Lord after he met with God in the tabernacle. The term is also used of the Hebrew people because their eyes were veiled with regard to Jesus. This spiritual veil prevented them from seeing Jesus for who he really was.

            I would say that in our current times, many people are wearing a veil just as the Hebrews of Jesus day did. For many different reasons our culture refuses to see and acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Their eyesight is dimmed to spiritual things, and they cannot or will not receive Jesus as Lord of their lives. Our culture claims to be spiritually enlightened and scientifically advanced, so that they have no need for Jesus or the Bible. In so doing they drive humanity to the point of extinction in the name of progress.

            What can believers do about this dire situation? First, we must pray. We need to pray for wisdom, courage, and boldness. These things are needed to battle against the spirit of the age that has blinded the eyes of those who do not believe. We need to proclaim with unveiled faces the truth that Jesus is Lord and human beings are not. Some will complain that we should just preach the gospel and leave the culture alone to rot away. Preaching the gospel is essential but we must live the gospel in order to be true followers of Jesus. This will involve moving outside our comfort zone to meet the world as it is.

            We must let the world know that the course they have set will lead ultimately to disaster. Repentance and following Jesus is the only hope for this lost and hurting society. Their way of life simply will not lead to human flourishing and peace. (Which they claim to be so concerned about.) We must model something better. We must model Christ as the way, truth, and life for the world.

Prayer:

            Lord, we live in a culture walking around with blinders on. It runs here and there seeking peace and fulfillment but not finding it. Lord help us to show the world a better way by showing them the ways of Christ. Let us not be anxious and afraid but courageous and bold to walk in the way that Jesus walked when He lived among us. Help us always to be ready to give an explanation for the hope which we have in Jesus to any who ask us. May we be salt and light in the midst of a tasteless and dark world. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcoming the Unwelcome

-
  Scripture: Luke 7:36-38 (NIV) 36  When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them. Devotion:             First of all, some warnings to my readers. This post will exceed the 500 words I try to limit my posts. Second, this post will contain content people may find offensive or otherwise unfit for print. Please understand that my purpose is neither to offend nor upset but to provoke thought and, hopefully, respectful dialog.             We will use Luke chapt...
Read more

The Hatred of the World

-
Scripture: John 15:18-20 (ESV) 18  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. Devotion:             This scripture is compelling. It explains what happened to Jesus and His disciples some 2,000 years ago. The message of God is rarely welcome news for the world. It calls out many of the culture's favorite practices for what they are: sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humankind has been adamant about trying to hide or excuse their sin. Sin causes a barrier between humans and God that humanity cannot overcom...
Read more

Reflecting on Reformation Day

-
  On October 31st, millions of Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day, a commemoration of a pivotal moment in church history. It marks the day in 1517 when Martin Luther, a German monk and scholar, nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This act, challenging the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, ignited what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. The Courage to Stand for Truth Reformation Day calls us to reflect on the courage it takes to stand for truth. Martin Luther faced immense opposition and risked his life to speak against the corruption and abuses he saw within the church. His conviction was rooted in a deep understanding of scripture and a sincere desire to return to the teachings of Christ. As we remember Luther's bravery, let us examine our own lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it is difficult? Do we seek truth in God's word and let it guide our actions? Script...
Read more