SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1197

“Reflection”

And we all having been unveiled in face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (BLB)

How much time do you spend looking in a mirror? Have you ever looked intently into your own eyes? What do you see? Do your eyes reflect weariness, fatigue, a lack of sleep from worry? Or do your eyes reflect a brightness and clarity? Are they joyful?

Have you ever noticed the eyes from the mug shots shown in the nightly news of people who have committed heinous crimes? Their eyes are like dead, dark pools of evil.

Does your face reflect anger, worry, and fear or does it reflect the peace and joy that stems from the presence of the Lord and your abiding walk with Him? What do your eyes and face reflect when others look at you? Shakespeare is quoted as stating “The eyes are the windows of the soul”. Jesus stated it first this way:

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. – Luke 11:34

Paul begins with a statement that ‘we all having been unveiled in face’. He is addressing us as Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we come to Christ, the veil of unbelief is removed.

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. – 2 Corinthians 3:16

Paul continues to say that we, as Christians are ‘beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.’

It is important to note that the mirrors of Paul’s day were not like the glass mirrors that we have today. The mirrors of the day were made of highly polished metal and their reflection, although imperfect, also illuminated the face especially in strong light.

When we accept Christ and by His Spirit He comes to dwell in our hearts, His presence is reflected and radiated by our lives. Although we remain an imperfect reflection of Jesus, people we encounter will know that we have been and are abiding with Christ.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13

This is where Paul introduces the transformative work of Christ in us. We ‘are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.’

Transformation requires time. We call it sanctification and it is a process that goes beyond an occasional encounter with Jesus. When Paul said we are ‘beholding as in a mirror’ he was talking about more than a casual glance. Beholding alludes to a careful study and examination of the Living Word of God.

Transformation follows our desire to get to know Him more. It stems from our love for Him, our awe of Him, and our thankfulness for His saving grace.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

May your eyes and face continually reflect the light of the glory of the Lord.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16