For a couple of hours on Monday, April 8th, we will be transfixed by the movement of heavenly bodies as much of North America is plunged into blackness. A dark celestial glory will be on display as the moon blocks the sun’s rays from reaching the earth. During that brief window, we will be impressed, gobsmacked, mesmerized, and in awe. Perhaps we will marvel at how little we control in our own lives and in the world at large. Nevertheless, at some point following this glorious display, we will recover and return to our daily routines.
The Apostle Paul recognized that glory comes in many forms. His reference to the mystery of bodily resurrection testifies to this diversity: “There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another” (1 Cor. 15:40).
In 2 Cor. 3, Paul contrasts the fading glory of the covenant administered by Moses with the
unfading glory of the covenant administered by Christ. The Sinai covenant could be thought of as our pending solar eclipse; both feature an overwhelming glory that reigns for a time but ultimately fades. Meanwhile, the covenant anchored in Christ’s redemptive work is altogether set apart; its glory is heavenly, spiritual, and unfading.
Equally marvelous, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they have been made competent ministers of this greater covenant. Yes, the very same of whom he would observe “…not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26). How about you? Do you identify as a minister of this covenant of unfading glory? Join us as we explore the biblical concept of glory and this highest of callings together.
Grace and peace,
TE Matthew Liethen
The Apostle Paul recognized that glory comes in many forms. His reference to the mystery of bodily resurrection testifies to this diversity: “There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another” (1 Cor. 15:40).
In 2 Cor. 3, Paul contrasts the fading glory of the covenant administered by Moses with the
unfading glory of the covenant administered by Christ. The Sinai covenant could be thought of as our pending solar eclipse; both feature an overwhelming glory that reigns for a time but ultimately fades. Meanwhile, the covenant anchored in Christ’s redemptive work is altogether set apart; its glory is heavenly, spiritual, and unfading.
Equally marvelous, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they have been made competent ministers of this greater covenant. Yes, the very same of whom he would observe “…not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26). How about you? Do you identify as a minister of this covenant of unfading glory? Join us as we explore the biblical concept of glory and this highest of callings together.
Grace and peace,
TE Matthew Liethen
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