THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE -- Tomorrow:
"But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open 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." (2 Cor 3:15-18, KJV)
Devotion 22 of 33
" . . . beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord."
Here is what we are beholding – not our own glory, which is a reflected glory, but "the glory of the Lord." We are not beholding the glory of the Lord in our own face but with an "unveiled" face. While it may technically be true that the glory of the Lord is found in us, that glory has no transforming power – and transformation is the point, as this text will confirm.
CLARIFICATION
The "glory of the Lord" is what we are said to behold, and that glory is seen in the message of the New Covenant, which is the Gospel of Christ. The most precise and thorough revelation of God is found in "the Gospel of His Son" (Rom 1:9), also referred to as "the record God has given of His Son" (1 John 5:10-11). If "the fulness of the Godhead" dwells in Jesus, and God is pleased to have it so (Col 1:19; 2:9), then the most extensive revelation and exposition of God are found in the Gospel of His Son.
The "glory of the Lord" has to do with what He has revealed of Himself, for His glory is what emanates from Him – what makes His Person and purpose known. Ponder how extensive this revelation is – the glory of the Lord as made known in the Gospel of Christ.
The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. FOR THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Rom 1:16-17).
The love of God is revealed in the Gospel: "Hereby PERCEIVE WE THE LOVE OF GOD, because he laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16) – which message is proclaimed in the Gospel.
The grace of God is revealed in the Gospel: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD" (Acts 20:24).
The Kingdom of God is revealed in the Gospel: "And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt 24:14). This is the "gospel" that Paul preached (Acts 19:8; 20:25; 28:23,31).
The peace of God is revealed in the Gospel: "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom 10:15).
The blessing of God is revealed in the Gospel: "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL unto Abraham, saying, IN THEE SHALL ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED" (Gal 3:8).
The salvation of God is revealed in the Gospel: "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Eph 1:13).
The hope granted by God is revealed in the Gospel: "For THE HOPE which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before IN THE WORD OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL" (Col 1:5,23).
Life and immortality are brought to light through the Gospel: "But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and HATH BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL" (2 Tim 1:10).
Indeed, "the glory of the Lord" is most precisely reflected in the Gospel of His Son!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for a Gospel that is laden with glory.