As Sent Ones, disciples intentionally
immerse themselves in a relationship with
God through prayer… to overcome anxiety and fear
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
2 Colossians 3:7-18
The Greater Glory of the New Covenant
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.
~ Apostle Paul,
2 Corinthians 3:18
7 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, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9 If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10 For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11 And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 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. 14 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. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 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.
• In Christ, I am being transformed as I contemplate the glory of the Lord, becoming more like Him day after day.
Pondering Point
Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. Don’t you love the imagery being painted here? Paul parallels the glory shining off the face of Moses to us Jesus-followers radiating the glory of God in our lives. Just as Moses was radiating after having been in the presence of God, so too, we can radiate the glory of God having been in His presence be it through worship, prayer, devotion, fellowship or whatever. How are you personally building this contemplating-of-God time into the structure of your life?
Most religious people want direction and guidance for their lives, such as with decisions or relationships or tough situations. We want to be able to handle whatever comes our way, pleasant or adverse. When anxiety or fear rise, we want to meet them with faith and confidence. This is desirable and worth praying over. It is also worth simply being present with God and letting His Spirit and His Word (and His people) influence and inform those issues. It is amazing how many times ideas and insights flow after sitting with the Lord God. The mind gets renewed (Romans 12:2) and the person gets transformed, including situations we are seeking help with.
If you are not already doing so, how could you re-shape your schedule to build in transformational contemplating-of-God slots?
Prayer
Father God, like Moses, I would like to radiate from being in Your presence. Deepen my desire to be with You, my willingness to carve out time for You, and my capacity to absorb You. Then I can simply shine wherever I am situated, with unmistakable evidence of Your presence emanating from me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Journal Prompt:
Write out a few situations in which you desire
insight from God about how or when to move
forward.
John 10:10
The
Great Sending
Word of the Day
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.