2 Corinthians 3:12-18, The Lord is the Spirit

12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 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.

Comments:

The Israelites could not bear to look at Moses and see the glory of God on his face. Christians, however, are to look to Jesus. As we sing in the hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,/ Look full in his wonderful face,/ and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,/ in the light of his glory and grace.” I think Paul means that the Spirit helps us see that Jesus is the greater glory. The Spirit unveils the human heart so we can see who Jesus truly is. He is the very mirror in which we see God and God’s glory, because Jesus, unlike Moses, is the very image, the full human representation of God. We only and truly understand who God is through the revelation of Jesus who surpasses the previous revelation in the Old Covenant.

The Spirit is not some abstract principal or understanding of God that needs to be explained to people. The Spirit is active and alive in Corinth, giving spiritual gifts and empowering the people to prophesy and to speak in tongues. The Corinthians know the Spirit firsthand, and Paul is reminding them of his powerful presence, and that through the Spirit they are growing in Christlikeness, becoming free to be who God created them to be.

Reflection:

O Lord Jesus, who can love as you do?

Through your deeds and labor I have become

As ripened fruit.

How blessed it is to share in your glory

Eternally in your providence.

I am your treasure,

Product of your arduous labor.

-- Brother Wong