2 Corinthians__3

Scripture

2 Corinthians 3: 17-18

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being ever transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

 

Observation

Paul continues writing his letter to the people of Corinth. Here, he promises a “new covenant,” one that is exciting and has no shackles, chains, or veils holding it back from experiencing the glory and goodness of God.

 

Understanding

So we all know (because I talk about it all the time) that I, Allison Khan, love learning about United States history. There I said it! I’m a nerd, and I don’t really care who knows it anymore. The period I love to study is the Revolutionary War, and the aftermath of said war. When looking at the events leading up to it, though two major themes come to the forefront of any historian looking at this era: liberty and freedom. Upon close examination we realize that these are NOT the same thing, which people commonly use them to mean the same thing. America gained liberty and independence, and freedom from the British Empire, NOT just freedom. Liberty is the idea of expressing rights and ideas within the confines of a fair and non-oppressive government and society. In other words, it is freedom that is contained. So in America we aren’t free to do whatever we like, we are free to do what is appropriate by law and society. Here is why I say all that: Paul says “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

He does not say “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty…” There are no restrictions in Christ Jesus! We are free to be who we were created to be, for the sake of the mission of Heaven. Paul also extends this idea that in God’s Presence we don’t hide any part of us. And why would we want to?! Rather we should bask in the glory of the Father, and the Spirit that He has given us. Because it is only in HIs Presence that we can know Him, be transformed in His image, and experience a freedom without any hindrances. The amazing thing about the Spirit of the Lord is that it is accessible to all. It’s not some rare thing reserved for a select few.

 

Life Application

We live a country that was founded on the idea of justice and liberty, but we were created by a Father who loves to grant us freedom. I feel there are some of you reading today that need to be reminded of that. Step out of the shadows and break into the new! Freedom seems daunting but it’s so liberating, and it’s yours for the taking if you want it.

-U.S. history buff, I mean Allison Khan