25 Sep October 15th Daily Devotion

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

 JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ARE INSEPARABLE

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “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.”

R.C. Lenski, in his commentary on Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians wrote, “Where the Lord (Jesus) is, there is His Spirit, and where the Spirit is, there is the Lord.” The saving work of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit are inseparable.  The Holy Scriptures say, “Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)  These words in turn prompted Luther to write, “I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him.  But, the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps me in the true faith. . . .”  (Small Catechism, Explanation to the Third Article)

Paul expands upon the inseparableness of Jesus and the Holy Spirit that your freedom from Satan and sin is contingent on the combined work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus.  St. Paul wrote, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  The Spirit turns you from yourself and your own efforts to Jesus through whom you are made right with God.  The Spirit turns you to Jesus who came into the world to set you free from your slavery to Satan, sin, and this world.  The Spirit gives you faith in Jesus to receive God’s pardon and peace He earned and won for you through His perfect life, death, and Easter resurrection.

It is the Holy Spirit’s work to cause you to reflect Christ’s glory.  Instead of wearing a veil, you wear the light of the glory of Jesus that first occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration.  You are like a mirror that reflects Christ’s glory, grace, and salvation.  Through your Christian life the Holy Spirit reflects to those around you the love of God in Christ Jesus.

You are being transformed by the Holy Spirit through the new life you have received through Christ Jesus.  This transformation continues through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit who is forming and shaping you into the image of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ who you reflect.  It is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. (Galatians 2:20)

Prayer:  Jesus, transform me into Your image to reflect Your glory by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Holy Ghost with light divine Shine upon this heart of mine;

Chase the shades of night away, Turn the darkness into day.

Let me see my Savior’s face, Let me all His beauties trace;

Show those glorious truths to me Which are only known to Thee.

Holy Ghost, with pow’r divine Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;

In Thy mercy pity mee, From sin’s bondage set me free.

Holy Ghost, with joy divine Cheer this saddened heart of mine;

Yield a sacred, settle peace, Let it grow and still increase.

Holy Spirit, all divine, Dwell within this heart of mine;

Cast down every idol throne, Reign supreme, and reign alone.

See, to Thee I yield my heart, Shed Thy life through every part;

A pure temple I would be, Wholly dedicate to Thee.

(TLH 234)