A decade ago, 2 Corinthians 3:18 was the theme verse while leading an interdenominational Bible study in my community. And once again, God recaptured my heart with this verse over the last few weeks. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
You and I become whatever and whoever we behold.
Paul builds on Moses’ experience after he spent forty days and forty nights on Mt. Sinai with God. When Moses came down the mountain, he did not know that his face shone because of his speaking with God. Moses’ face reflected the glory of God’s presence in His life. The people were afraid to come near him.
When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with Him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord. Exodus 34:33-35 (NASB)
Thankfully, when we come to Christ, the veil is removed from our heart and we are able to come with unveiled faces to HIM (2 Cor. 3:14-16).
Removal of the veil gives us access to God and we can constantly behold Christ’s divine glory, and this beholding transforms from glory to glory. It makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.
There is nothing between you and God.
Your face will shine with the brightness of His face. So, you are transfigured much like the Messiah, and your life will gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters your life you will become like Him.
Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:5 (NLT)
Yes, it takes a deliberate beholding. You and I need to make it a priority to enter this place with God. And, when you do, He is able to:
Change your approach.
Change your attitude.
Change your demeanor.
Change your desire.
Because of this, others will be in wonder of your spiritual facelift. For only God can illumine your appearance and softens someone’s harsh countenance (Eccl. 8:1).
The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker— travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.
Proverbs 4:18 (MSG)
Journeying with Him,
Jessie