Glory

 "...for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2Co 3:6b)


If you have time you might want to read all of 2 Corinthians chapter 3.  At very least read these words above and connect them to what Paul is saying near the end of the passage.  "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2Co 3:18)


As I talk with others about this fast they sometimes respond with, "I could never do that."  When we focus on what we can do, of course we will end up low balling our efforts every time.  We are creatures of comfort.  We enjoy routine, unless it gets boring, which routines eventually do.  Any routine that does not connect us to the living God ends up becoming dissatisfying.  If, however, we acknowledge what God can do through us when we open our hearts to the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, then we have all the power we need to do whatever God calls us to do.


Paul was writing to the church in Corinth because they were being led away from his apostolic authority by others who taught that to follow Christ meant to observe all the Jewish holiness laws.  These former gentile pagans were being confused about the new covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ.  Paul wanted to set the church free from the old covenant with its codes and laws which does not lead to true righteousness.  Law leads to an awareness of how hard it is to live disciplined lives following all the rules.  We become aware of sin's weakening of our resolve to be made as Christ is, to share in His glorious nature. (See Romans 4-7 for more on Paul's teaching on the work of law exposing sin in us.)


When we stop focusing on dos and don'ts and fix our eyes on Jesus, we are transformed in our thinking.  His life is the righteousness we seek from God. Through our faith in Jesus, He lives in us by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore His righteousness is in us and so is our sinful weakness.  


Instead of looking at what you feel you cannot do, look at what Jesus did, is doing, and will do in your life.  He died for you.  He lived a sinless life in a mortal body like yours and mine.  He faced every temptation we do, but did not fall into sinful actions. He faced down death with love and hope and faith.  He rose from the grave a new kind of human, resurrected into glory.  He ascended into heaven and enjoys the favor of God's right hand.  He has God the Father's ear. He prays for us.  And the Spirit within us prays for us.  We have all we need to live victoriously over sinful weakness in order to be transformed into glory, the glory of Jesus.


As we continue this Daniel Fast, lets not concern ourselves with the limits of the diet, but on the abundance of God's grace at work in us.  Enjoy every bite of this simple diet knowing that you are set aside for the sanctifying work of the Spirit who is bringing you to share in the glorious life of the Son of God. 


O Spirit of Christ Jesus, we have made ourselves available to You during this season of Lent.  Work within us Your perfection. Make us holy as You are holy, as Christ is holy, as God is holy.  Lead us to share in His glory.  Amen