Scripture Verse (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)
“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.”
Additional Scripture Reference (John 1:14, NIV)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Devotional
We come across two profound verses that reveal the essence of our transformation in Christ. The Apostle Paul describes metamorphosis in detail in 2 Corinthians 3:18. He is referring to a time in the Old Testament when Moses would veil his face after entering God’s presence on Mount Sinai. The intensity of God’s glory reflected on Moses’ face was too great for the Israelites to see directly. During the Old Covenant, it represented the distance between God and His people.
Now, let’s go back to the sacred mountain. Moses, with a veiled face, serves as an intermediary, representing humanity’s separation from God’s glorious presence. But now turn to the New Testament, to John 1:14, where we read about Jesus, the Word made flesh, who lives among us. This verse is central to the gospel, demonstrating a significant shift in the divine-human relationship.
The removal of the veil is what connects these verses together. In Christ, God’s glory is no longer obscured or distant. Jesus becomes the bridge, an unfiltered expression of God’s glory in human form. He isn’t a distant deity; Emmanuel means “God with us.” Through Jesus, we can see God’s glory clearly, no longer obscured or concealed.
The veil that once separated us from God’s radiant presence has been torn apart by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We can now approach God with our faces uncovered, just as Moses did when he met God face-to-face. The transformation we go through as believers reflects the transition from veiled separation to unveiled communion.
As we consider these verses, we realize that, through Christ, we are being transformed from glory to glory. It is not about physical radiance like Moses’ face, but rather about inner renewal, becoming more like Christ with each passing day. In Jesus, we see a perfect reflection of God’s glory, full of grace and truth.
So, dear believers, let us embrace this transformational journey with unveiled faces, seeking God’s presence on a daily basis. When we see Jesus’ glory, we are transformed from the inside out. His love, grace, and truth transform us into His image, revealing God’s glory. Let us live as examples of His transformative power, bridging the gap between God and humanity as Jesus did.
A Veil Removed – Radiant God’s Glory, Flossie’s Faith
The scent of lavender and sun-warmed earth lingered in the air, gently carried by a breeze that danced past houses slumbering beneath a canopy of rolling hills bathed in cerulean light. Flossie, a woman whose laughter echoed like windchimes, called this haven home. She was known throughout the village for her kind heart and unwavering faith. Every day, she would gather with her neighbours under the ancient oak tree to hear the village elder, a wise old man named Steve, share teachings from the scriptures.
One warm, sun-dappled afternoon, as the villagers gathered, Steve began to describe an event that would have a profound impact on Flossie’s life. He spoke about Moses, a man who had stood in God’s presence on the holy Mount Sinai. Moses, who was chosen by God to lead the Israelites, would cover his face after seeing the divine glory. The radiance reflected on his face was too brilliant for people to see directly.
Flossie could immediately sense the wonder and awe that must have enveloped the Israelites in Moses’ day as Steve passionately recounted the events. She imagined the dazzling light of God’s presence, hidden behind humble Moses. The image ignited something deep within her soul.
That night, as Flossie lay in her small, unlit room, she could not stop thinking about Moses’ veiled face. She had a deep desire to experience God’s glory in a more intimate way than she had ever known. With tears in her eyes, she said a heartfelt prayer: “Lord, show me Your glory. Remove the veil that separates us.”
Little did Flossie know that her prayer would be answered in the most extraordinary way.
Several days later, a traveling preacher named Richard arrived in the village. He spoke fervently about Jesus, the Word made flesh, who lived among us. Flossie was drawn to Richard’s words, and she listened to every sermon, hanging on to every syllable as he described Jesus as the link between God and humanity.
One evening, as the sun set and cast a golden glow over the village square, Flossie approached Richard. Her heart raced as she asked, “Tell me more about Jesus, the one who unveils God’s glory.”
Richard smiled warmly and spoke gently about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He described how Jesus tore the veil between humanity and God’s radiant presence. As Flossie listened, her heart was filled with hope and excitement.
Over the next few weeks, Flossie immersed herself in discovering more about Jesus. She read the Bible extensively, prayed for hours, and sought to apply Christ’s teachings in her daily life. With each passing day, she felt her faith grow stronger, and a profound transformation began to occur within her.
One sunny morning, while sitting under the same ancient oak tree where she had heard Steve’s story, Flossie closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky. She felt a presence around her, a warmth that permeated her entire being. It was as if a veil had been lifted from her heart, allowing her to see God’s glory with clarity.
Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she realized how Christ had transformed her from veiled separation to unveiled communion. She realized that it wasn’t about physical radiance like Moses’ face but about inner renewal, becoming more like Christ with every passing day.
Flossie’s newfound radiance and transformed spirit were evident to everyone she knew. She became a shining example of God’s love, grace, and truth in the village, just as Richard had been to her.
The villagers were amazed at Flossie’s transformation and drawn to the same transformative power that had touched her life. Through her unwavering faith and the revelation of God’s glory in Jesus, Flossie overcame the separation between God and humanity.
So, under the ancient oak tree, the villagers gathered to hear Flossie tell the incredible story of her own journey from being veiled to becoming unveiled. Her words gave them hope, and they, too, began their journey to a deeper relationship with the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaway
Our journey with Christ is one of continual transformation, moving from separation to intimate communion with God. Through Jesus, the veil is torn, inviting us into a relationship marked by clarity, intimacy, and transformation. It’s a journey from glory to glory, shaped not by our own efforts but by the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
Practical Application
Reflect on your own “veils” — be they doubt, sin, or fear — and consider how they might be lifted in the light of Christ’s love and grace. Engage with the Bible, not just as a text, but as a living dialogue with God, allowing Jesus’ life to guide your daily actions and decisions.
Short Prayer
“Dear Lord, help us to see Your glory in the everyday moments of our lives. Teach us to seek Your presence with a mindful heart, transforming us into Your image day by day. Let us remain in You, as You remain in us, and bear fruit that will bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Closing Thoughts
May we remember that beholding Jesus’ radiant glory on a daily basis is an active and transformative pursuit. As a mirror reflects the image before it, so may our lives increasingly reflect Christ’s image. Allow the beauty of His grace and truth to shine through us as we navigate life’s challenges and triumphs. In this ongoing transformation, may we serve as beacons of His love and mercy to a world in need.
Quote
“To become like Him, we must behold Him. In His light, we find our true selves.”