The Ministry That Brings Righteousness

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 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. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Spending time with people on a deep spiritual level will challenge you to become a better, more thoughtful person. His standard of excitement will spur you on to greater things.

It is crucial for us to spend time in God’s Word so we can connect with the person of Christ. Reading about the impact of Jesus’ unconditional love for us compels us to love without demand. His mercy and His free distribution of grace to the most undeserving make us ashamed of our tendency to withhold forgiveness and seek revenge.

We find ourselves becoming a more thankful person when we realize that, despite our shameful fallenness, the Lord has clothed us in the beauty of His perfect righteousness. His amazing ways and unsurpassed wisdom motivate and transform us. It is hard to be content with our lives as it is when in His presence we are drawn to become more like Him.

The apostle Paul calls us to the joy of beholding Christ.

Stay close to God and you will never be the same.

Our Daily Bread – April 8, 2014