“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”- 2 Cor. 3:18
There are certain verses that I repeat regularly. I do so because of the impact they have had on my life and also because I know they are needed by others. One of those verses is 2 Cor. 3:18. Notice the attraction–“ the glory of the Lord“. How could that not get your attention? Notice the action spoken of “beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord”. That speaks gazing upon the Lord Jesus Christ – contemplating Christ. This is something we can’t do without a radical transformation taking place– radical and glorious. In this verse we find a thrilling treasure of truth. We see glory revealed, received, and reflected.
Although I have never seen Him face to face, I have seen the Lord in a greater way than a glimpse of His physical appearance. He is revealed to me through the revelation of God’s Word which gives me insight far beyond what the natural eye can see. By beholding Him in the Bible I see Him both outwardly and inwardly. I see Him going about doing good, nailed to the cross, raised from the grave, and lifted up to heaven. But I also see His inward groaning, the agony of His soul, the yearnings of His heart, etc. – and that changes me!
Notice the affect of this action– “are changed into the same image from glory to glory”. And notice the agent of change–“by the Spirit of the Lord”. This doesn’t speak of changes we make, but of changes made to us by the Holy Spirit. The only part we play is that of “beholding“, giving our attention to the great attraction–“the glory of the Lord“. It is then that He does for us what we could never do for ourselves. It is no wonder that Heb. 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”. May God help us believers to be beholders! Every Christian should “consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” ( Heb. 12:3)-HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
