September 17, 2021January 5, 2024

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

by in From The Desk of Pastor Gene
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Before we get started, let’s get on the same page. In case you’re wondering, I’m not interested in replaying the Snow White movie for you or exalting the so-called magic mirror on the wall. However, I am concerned about what we are beholding. Why? When we truly behold the Lord, we don’t have to wonder or debate who the “greatest of them all” is or isn’t. We know without a doubt that Jesus alone is King and Lord. As the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, he reminds us that when we turn to the Lord, beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into the image of Jesus.
 
2 COR 3:12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
 
As we refer back to Exodus 34 to fully understand what Paul is referring to concerning Moses, we see that Moses’ face radiated God’s reflected glory after speaking with God. In turn, Moses wore a veil that covered the reflection of God’s glory. In a spiritual sense, Paul also explains that the hearts of unbelieving Jews were veiled in a similar way. In fact, the Jews saw only a fragment of God’s glory because the veil over their hearts also made their minds dull, hiding the complete truth from them. Whether getting a glimpse of God’s glory when Moses face was unveiled when he spoke or when they read the Old Testament Law, the Torah, they did not and could not behold the complete glory of the Lord because only through Christ the veil is lifted from a person’s eyes and heart.
 
As we behold, to see by reflection, we who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord are transformed. This means we become what we are beholding. Moreover, we become what we were created to be. Therefore, if we are truly beholding Christ, we are transformed into His image. Specifically, we, all of us, as the ministers of Christ, are being transformed into His image progressively as we are made holy (sanctified) by the Spirit of God. Notice the transformation, taking place in us as followers of Christ, has ever-increasing glory, unlike Moses’ fading glory. But don’t be mistaken. This intensifying reflection of God’s glory in us only comes from the Lord as we behold Him.
 
Now take a moment to reflect. As you reflect, ask yourself the following question: What am I beholding? Is it self, others, position, wealth, education, popularity, idols, possessions or what is it? Look closely because the answer is uncovered in your behavior, attitude, actions, priorities and schedule.
 
Furthermore, the answer is exposed by what you reflect. At the very least, it becomes unmistakably obvious that we are beholding something or someone other than Jesus when we are embattled with pride, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, hatred, gossip, deceit, slander and the like. Even more when an addiction or substance abuse is involved.
 
So for those who believe you are beholding Christ, ponder these questions: Am I occasionally peeking a glimpse of Jesus? Am I merely looking in the general direction of Jesus? -or- Am I truly beholding the glory of Jesus?
 
If it’s an occasional peek at His glory or a routine glance in His general direction, the result won’t be transforming into His image but the product of self-will, self-determination, self-satisfaction, self, self, self.
 
As Paul writes to the church in Rome, it is God’s will that we are “confirmed to the image of His Son.” RO 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Therefore, beholding the glory of Jesus conforms us into His image. We move from what do I think and feel? -to- What does Jesus think and feel? We move from what do I want to do? -to- What does Jesus want me to do? We move from being me -to- glorifying Jesus. Better yet. We move from people seeing us -to- seeing Jesus in us as we reflect His image.
 
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the greatest of them all? Well, really now, the mirror doesn’t produce the answer, it only reflects the answer. In reality, there is no such magic mirror. In fact, your answer is based on what you reflect or who you reflect. So, do you reflect the glory of Christ or someone or something else? If you’re a Christian, you know that Jesus is the Christ and He alone is Lord and King. Yes. The greatest of all. Furthermore, if you’re a Christian you’re progressively being transformed but only as you behold the glory of the Lord. Behold Him! It’s never too late. Behold Him now!

A Work in Progress,

Pastor Gene