Ever-increasing glory

READ: Isaiah 25,26; Psalms 75; 2 Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 3: 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate [Or reflect] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

OBSERVATION: 2 Cor.3:18 tells us a vital truth that every Christian needs to practice and experience every day of their life. Here, Paul explains the glory of the new covenant ministry that enables us to see the glory of God with unveiled faces. In verse 16, he says, “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  Through Christ, we have the liberty or freedom to approach God. When we come to God, we should reflect on the Lord’s glory as a person sees himself in a mirror. The Bible says Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory” (Heb.1:3). He is the word of God. By looking at the word of God, we contemplate the Lord’s glory. The word of God is alive and active. When we meditate on it, it transforms us. Notice the verb here: We “are being transformed.” It is a continual and regular process. This transformation changes us to identify with Christ’s image. To see this transformation in our lives, we Christians should always keep our eyes on Jesus and gaze at his glory in the word of God. As the psalmist sings, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Ps.34:5). When we continually see God in the word of God, it changes us to be like him. It is indeed a glorious one! Paul says it is an “ever-increasing glory,” which means it is not only a process but something that we receive progressively. We should remember that the Lord is the source of this glory. We cannot attain it by any other means. Warren Wiersbe beautifully summarizes this essential truth as follows: “When the people of God look into the Word of God and see the glory of God, the Spirit of God transforms them to be like the Son of God.” It is a privilege for us that God has predestined us “ to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom.8:29). Let this be our daily experience with the Lord.

APPLICATION: I need to contemplate the word of God every day and should allow it to transform my life completely. As James 1:23-24 says, “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” I will do what the word of God says to me. Every day, my life will reflect the ever-increasing glory of Jesus in me.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your grace that enables me to see your glory in my life. Lord, help me keep my eyes on you and receive the transformation you want to make in my life. Holy Spirit, give me your strength to seek and receive God’s glory every day. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 257