2 Corinthians 3:18 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. New International Version (NIV)
“Those who look to the Lord are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame.” David wrote those words in Psalm 34:5 as he fled the presence of Abimelech. For some time he had been trying to mask his identity, pretending to be crazy so that Abimelech would not fear him as an enemy warrior. Now he no longer had to pretend. Did he see his face in a reflection in a pool as he lifted his eyes to the Lord, his Helper? Or did he see it in the faces of his valiant soldiers who looked up to God for help?
Paul’s words bring David’s words to life. Paul is talking about his ministry as the fragrance of life, given through the Holy Spirit. Then he contrasts it with Moses’ ministry of the letter of the law which brought condemnation. The Apostle can be bold because he has hope in the Lord. So can we, because so do we.
Paul contrasts Moses’ fading glory coming down from the mountain with the countenances of believers. Time with the Lord made Moses spiritually radioactive. He was glowing from going to be with God on the mountain, so he had to wear a veil so that he didn’t startle the people. But in time it faded, like the enthusiasm which wanes a week after camp ends. We shout on the mountain, but the zeal tends to leak and lose its power over time. Moses’ face went back to normal eventually, so he took his veil off. But Paul says the ministry of the Spirit which gives us freedom is so different from Moses’ fading ministry. As we continue to live in God’s presence, doing life “with God”, we are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.
The Christian life is so much more than a transaction which gets us forgiven and gets us into heaven when we die. Our life of being with God moment by moment is a glorious transformation. God is changing us. John tells us in 1 John 3:1-2 when Jesus actually returns and we see him, we will finally be completely like him. But the metamorphosis has already started. Those who look to the Lord are radiant. So look to him today. Others won’t be able to miss the change in you!
Pray with me:
Father, we lift our eyes up to you. The mountains cannot help us. But their Maker can. So we look to you. Take away our shame. Give us your glow. Let others see you in us today, radiant with your Spirit shining from inside us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan. Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download the app at readscripture.org. Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully,
Duane
Copyright 2019. All Rights Reserved.
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