THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed . . . " -- 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 26 of 33
Our text says that as we behold the glory of the Lord we ARE changed! It does NOT say we ought to be changed, but that we "are changed." It does not say that it is POSSIBLE for us to be changed, but that we "are changed." This is not a moral law, but a spiritual reality. It is not a goal to be achieved, but something very real that is experienced.
This "change" is realized while behold "the glory of the Lord in the face of Christ Jesus." When we are "looking to Jesus," a transformation takes place – a change of character. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we are changed from increasing stage of glory to another – brought into conformity with the image of Christ, which is God's predetermined purpose (Rom 8:29).
Where this change is not taking place, the Holy Spirit has somehow been quenched and grieved. The individual is not "looking to Jesus" (Heb 12:2), but has been distracted to lesser things – things that cannot change the individual to be like Christ. Let it be clear, there is no hope of heaven without this change. No one will dwell forever in the house of the Lord who is unlike Christ Jesus – no one!
It is time for the church to hear this message preached with insight and power. A lack of change among those professing the name of the Lord is not acceptable! Furthermore, there is no religious identity or activity that can compensate for a lack of change! There is no community involvement that can offset the absence of change! There is no Christian program than can make up for the need of change. If the Holy Spirit affirms that change occurs when we behold the glory of the Lord, then where that change is lacking, the people are not beholding the glory. It simply is not possible to validate any other conclusion!
The greatest mission field of our day is the American and European church! It has lapsed into a state of spiritual stagnation, where religious careers and carnal ambitions can be achieved. Within the modern church, it is easier to sell a contemporary Christian music CD or a "how-to" book, than to generate any interest in Jesus! A focus upon the Word of God in general, and the Gospel of Christ in particular, is not in vogue. Those who condescend to deal with Scripture at all, often choose to splash around on surface matters, trying to "make the Bible relevant." Too much time is spent "trying to make things happen." In the New Covenant, everything is so designed as to guarantee that proper things will happen. Properly focused, people will "be changed!"
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the reality of change that comes when I focus upon Him.