25 Sep October 14th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

ONLY IN CHRIST IS THE VEIL TAKEN AWAY    

2 Corinthians 3:12-16 “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.”

The Old Testament Jews were God’s covenant people.  He had promised to be their God and they would be His people.  (Exodus 6:7-8)  God, through Moses, gave the Law in writing to them to show them their sins and total dependence upon Him for pardon and forgiveness.  They, as demonstrated by the veil that Moses wore, were averse to the glory of God.  They failed to see the good purpose of God’s Law.

In today’s devotional verses Paul says that the minds of the Israelites were dull.  They needed enlightenment.  The only means for that to happen was God’s Gospel promise first given to Adam and Eve after they sinned.  Throughout the Old Testament God’s promise to send them a Savior was passed on.  This Savior was their only hope.

Paul then says only when a person turns to Jesus is the veil removed.  Then, and only then is eternal hope restored.  Through Jesus alone the condemnation of the Law is removed, pardon obtained and peace between God and man is restored.  Ephesians 2:14-18, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Jesus says to you, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  (John 14:27)

Prayer:  Give me, O Lord, eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus.  Amen.

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure,

Truest friend to me, Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for Thee? Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!

I will suffer naught to hide Thee; Naught I ask beside Thee.

In Thine arms I rest me; Foes who would molest me

Cannot reach me here.  Though the earth be shaking,

Ev’ry heart be quaking, Jesus calms my fear.

Lightnings flash And thunders crash;

Yet, though sin and hell assail me, Jesus will not fail me.

Satan, I defy thee; Death, I now decry thee; Fear, I bid thee cease,

World, thou shalt not harm me Nor thy threats alarm me

While I sing of peace God’s great pow’r Guards ev’ry hour;

Earth and all its depths adore Him, Silent bow before Him.

Hence, all earthly treasure! Jesus is my pleasure,

Jesus is my choice.  Hence, all empty glory! Naught to me thy story

Told with tempting voice.  Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,

Shall not from my Savior move me Since He deigns to love me.

Evil world, I leave thee; Thou canst not deceive me,

Thine appeal is vain.  Sin that once did blind me, Get far behind me,

Come not forth again Past thy hour O pride and pow’r;

Sinful life, thy bonds I sever, Leave thee now forever.

Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness,

Jesus, enters in.  Those who love the Father,

Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within.

Yea, whate’er I here must bear,

Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure.

(LSB 743)