“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29; NKJV).
The Image of Christ. The heart of real discipleship is a commitment to be like Jesus Christ. The Christian is to be centered on the word of God because the word is where Christ is seen: “Then He said to them, ‘These things are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’” (Luke 24:44; NKJV). The Scriptures make Jesus come alive so He can live in our hearts: “…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27; NKJV)!
The Glory of GOD. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18; NKJV). Some translations say, “beholding as in a mirror;” others say, “reflecting like mirrors.” One implies contemplation; the other implies refraction. Which is accurate? Actually both. The verb katoptrizo can be translated either way. But which meaning did the Holy Spirit intend? In the context, the Spirit paralleled the Christian experience to the Mount Sinai experience of Moses (Exodus 34). After Moses beheld the glory of GOD, his face reflected the glory of GOD (2 Corinthians 3:7). Upon beholding GOD, Moses could not help but reflect GOD. The brightness he saw was the brightness he became. Beholding led to becoming. Becoming led to reflecting. Perhaps the answer to the translation question, then, is “yes.” Could it be that the Holy Spirit intentionally selected a verb that would remind us to do both? To behold GOD so intently that we can’t help but reflect Him? To behold is to study, to stare, to contemplate. This beholding is a serious pondering!
The Call. As we behold His glory, dare we pray that we, like Moses, will reflect it? Dare we hope to be mirrors in the hands of God, the reflection of the light of God? This is the call: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31; NKJV). From one level to another – “from glory to glory” – reflect GOD’S glory in your life!
Reflecting GOD’S Glory! It’s not about us; it’s all about Him! He sends the message; we mirror it! Beholding leads to becoming. Becoming leads to reflecting. Get in the word! Deny self, take up your Bible, and learn of Him! Gaze at His glory in the word! Reflect His glory in your daily life!
Jason
