Behold the Glory of God!

 

"But we all, with uncovered face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.  Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.  On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 3:18-4:2)

What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord?  I believe Paul is referring to our devotion to God, our attentive worship of Him, our time set aside to behold (to perceive through sight or apprehension, to gaze upon) who God is.  The Greek word for behold indicates not just taking a look, but fixing our gaze.  An intensely focused gaze or to look eagerly at something in order to see it more clearly. It means deciding, "I won't move from this position or do anything else until I fix my eyes on God - to intensely see God’s glory with such devotion that we are changed as a result.

 

What does Paul mean by “we have this ministry”?  I believe Paul is telling us that beholding the glory of God is a ministry/service we should devote ourselves to on a regular basis.

 

What happens when we behold the glory of God? Paul writes, "We are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."  The Greek word for changed means transformed, transfigured. Everyone who often fixes their gaze intently on Christ is being metamorphosed. A transfiguration is taking place. That person is continually being changed into the likeness and character of Jesus.

 

How is the glory of God shown?  Moses saw the glory of the Lord, and it rendered his face so bright, that he had to covered it with a veil.  We are to behold the glory of God in such a way that our faces shine too!  Through His glorious love, we are to be transformed into the same image - into the same love.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39)

 

The glory of God is too great to pass by.  Cling to the hope He gives you.  Hope for healing, transformation, for His presence in your life and in our world.  Be astounded by His glory and be transformed by it.

 

Greater things have yet to come!