September 17 | 2 CORINTHIANS 3:15-18

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DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 3:15-18

From Concealed to Revealed

By Judy Webb

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:15-17 NIV)

I struggled with verse 15 for over a week and was tempted to skip it and dig right into 16-17, but nothing worked when I did this. God had something to show me, and maybe you as well. Recall when Moses came down from the mountain after his meeting with God, he covered his face with a veil so that the reflection of God’s glory, which was shining all over Moses’ face, would not harm the Israelites. When I first heard this, it made a lot of sense to me. But now, I see there is a much deeper meaning here, one I never considered.

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. (v.15) This is the verse that has stymied me. I immediately thought it was referring to Jews who have never accepted Jesus as Messiah, and that may be some of it. But it goes much further than that. The veil was a barrier, something to hide behind. “On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations.” (Isaiah 25:7 NIV)

Studying this verse from Enduring Word, I understand something new here. The veil is marking the passing Glory of the old covenant…from concealed glory (Moses); to the new covenant which is described as revealed glory (Jesus). “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (v.16)

I’ve shared before about the day I finally turned to Jesus, the day I submitted to His power and glory, the veil dropped and I finally saw clearly. Not necessarily understood yet, but I could see my sinfulness, I desired to change and repent. I am understanding this to mean that with Jesus no veil is needed. We don’t need to conceal his glory because it won’t hurt us, only heal and free us from sin and pain. We are free. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (v.17) 

“So, Christ has truly set us free, now make sure you stay free and don’t get tied up again to slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

What a powerful reading this morning. You speak too loudly to us when we listen up. Work in us today, a desire to dig deeper into your word. Especially when something doesn't quite make sense. Surely, then, there is more you want us to know. Thank you, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.