“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.3.17.NLT
The Apostle Paul contrasts the old way of following God (the old covenant of the law) with the new way of following God (the new covenant of freedom in Christ).
Reflection
When God’s glory visibly appeared on Moses' face, a veil was placed over his head because it was overwhelming to the people. It was too much to take in.
The primary effort of the people in Moses’ time was spent trying to follow the laws God laid out for them.
Paul describes the challenge of the old covenant this way: “But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 NLT.
The way of law keeping did not produce the unmatched freedom found only in Christ.
Christ is the only one who can remove the hardness of our hearts and the veil covering our understanding to experience the fullness of freedom found in God.
Encouragement
This unmatched freedom found only through Christ is remarkable:
- “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. There is no other way to know true freedom. It is something Christ freely makes available to anyone who puts their faith and trust in him.
- For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Freedom is found in the presence of God. God is the source, place, experience, and relationship of freedom.
- So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. In Christ, we now see the glory of God. Not only do we see it, but his glory is being shared with others through our lives every day. God’s glory is meant to be shared with others. He is filled with love, life, and freedom.
- And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Do you see the progression reflected in these words? Over time, as we follow Christ, the Spirit of God brings more and more of who he is into our lives.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT
The desire for freedom is something experienced all around the world. The freedom everyone is looking for is found in Christ.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
The freedom you offer is unmatched. Thank you.
The freedom you provide comes from putting our faith and trust in you. Thank you.
The freedom you share is experienced by being in the presence of God. You make this possible for us. Thank you.
Freedom reflects the glory of God. Thank you.
Freedom grows in our lives by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Thank you.
Freedom gets better as more of you is embodied in our lives. Thank you.
In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Ed McDowell