Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:7-11
“Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.”
Devotion
Here, Paul is comparing the old covenant and the death that was tied to it with the new covenant and it’s everlasting glory. He notes specifically that the laws of the old covenant ended up just condemning sinners to death— the benefit of this was short lived. Through the new covenant, followers of Jesus receive justification through the righteousness of Christ— not by any works of ours. We as believers are saved not by our own actions, but by Jesus dying on the cross for our transgressions.
Throughout my life I have had a variety of experiences. Some have been amazing accomplishments that are God honoring. While there have been others that have not been. And to think— what if I still had to live by the old covenant; what if I were not justified through Jesus? I can say confidently I wouldn’t have made it! I recognize that I am imperfect, and in desperate need of Jesus’ justification and grace in my life. I recognize that I am a work in progress. This is also known as sanctification— God is continuing to work on me piece by piece. And for this I am eternally grateful that we serve a God of second chances.
Now this sanctification that believers experience is not an excuse to live a life that directly contradicts the new covenant. Rather— it leaves room for growth in our thoughts, words and actions. It’s ok to recognize that we are not perfect; but we should also recognize the growth we have experienced through sanctification. And we should continually focus on that growth towards Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all that you have done in my life. Thank you for the teachable moments I’ve experienced, and thank you for the grace you have provided. Please help me to continue to seek you out daily, and challenge us to identify areas that we can grow in. Help us to continually seek to ensure our words, thoughts and actions mirror you. In your heavenly name I pray, Amen.
Author: Justin Artymenko
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