Unveiled and Open

Today we read Judges 17 & 18, Psalm 89, and 2 Corinthians 3.

Paul often explains the salvation that we can have in the Lord like a mystery.  The word that is used for mystery, also means a secret.  He explains the power and the difference that comes with salvation as a secret mystery.  It is not that he encourages us not to share, but, instead, he is saying that one cannot fully grasp all that it means to be saved until he/she has actually received the Lord.  No matter how hard we try to explain all that you have in God through Christ, one cannot fully grasp it until you know Him personally.

Those of the Old Testament received their salvation by looking to the God who would provide a Savior to them in the future. It was Christ who paid their price for salvation, the price was just paid after the fact.  We, on the other hand, have the hope of salvation by looking back to the  cross.  That is to our advantage.  We can read the story of Jesus and be strengthened by it.  We also have the powerful difference of the indwelling Spirit of God that came at Pentecost after the ascension of Christ as is recorded in Acts 2.  The combination of the complete Word of God with the Gospels of Jesus and the personal empowerment of the Holy Spirit make things much different for us today than those of old.

The plan of God has now been revealed.  We look back to the cross of Christ for our salvation and ahead to His Return for the completion of His Plan.  Paul put it this way in
2 Corinthians 3.16-18- 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.

Today, I want to encourage you to ponder on all that you have when you have Jesus, and live today seizing every opportunity to behold all of God's glory.  He is with you, truly loves you, and wants you to experience the power of His presence in all your life.  Enjoy the opportunity.