Freedom

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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:

            In this passage of scripture, we consider the freedom we who believe in Christ as Lord and Savior can experience. Under the old covenant, even the Jewish people could not experience the freedom of looking directly at the glory of God. A veil was erected in the temple to keep the people from seeing the most holy place. This veil remains over the minds of unbelievers to this day. The physical temple may no longer be standing, but spiritual blindness remains where Christ is not present.

            Paul is explaining this truth to the church at Corinth. He encourages the believers to experience for themselves the freedom of the Lord. Paul encourages us to meditate on the cross and empty tomb and ponder the great gifts we have been given. We are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may be able to begin to comprehend these great mysteries. We are given through this Spirit great freedom to come and worship Jesus, who was made known to us through these great signs and wonders.

            We should rejoice in that freedom. Just as many countries around the world place limits on the rights of their people to practice their religion, we in this country (still) have great freedom to follow our convictions and worship as we please. Every age has its troubles, and our age is no different. We, however, can thank God that we have freedom in Christ to worship Him in all His glory. Each of us is given a different gift by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to build up the church. Let us pray that we will be found faithful in exercising those gifts.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, we thank you for loving us so much. You gave your Son to us so we might experience freedom in Him. We, as your children, are given great freedom in you. Lord, help us to use that freedom to encourage one another in the faith. May we have compassion and mercy on those whose minds are still blinded to our great freedom in Christ. May we work with passion and energy to advance the cause of Christ wherever and whenever we can. Amen.

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