Wednesday 22 May 2024
And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. (v.18)
Background
There are several points to note in this passage before it reaches its culmination at verse 18. Paul begins with a comparison between the old covenant and the new (verse 6). He reaffirms that the new covenant in Jesus is greater than the old. The old legal covenant gives rules from the outside, whereas the new covenant in the Holy Spirit takes places within people. The old passes judgement, the new gives life and hope. This picks up on a theme found in Jeremiah 31:33.
The word ‘glory’ appears 14 times in this passage including several times in more than one verse. Glory in this context means ‘the light of the revelation of God’ and Paul sees the new covenant with God shedding a glory that reduces that of the old to nothing.
The reference to the veil refers to Exodus 34:29-35. Moses wore a veil to protect the people, but removed it when before God. Under the new covenant there is no need for the believer to be veiled.
In verse 18 Paul makes an analogy to reflections in mirrors. It’s worth noting modern mirrors with their reflective glass are nothing like ancient ones. Mirrors in Paul’s day were made of burnished metal and the reflected image would not always be clear. The image though would be much clearer than if something was veiled. In addition, because of the burnishing there would be a warmth – rather like the mirrors with lights in theatre dressing rooms.
The key word though in verse 18 is ‘transformed’. This is what will take place for those who turn to Jesus. In simple words the more we look to Jesus, the more we will become like him. In the same way Hebrews 12:2 calls the believers to look to Jesus. By the Holy Spirit the eyes of the believers are opened to see the glory of Jesus. With that action believers are open to being transformed.
Hymn-writer Helen Lemuel wrote in 1922:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace. (‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus’ © 1922 Singspiration Music)
To Ponder:
- Where do you see glory today?
- How can believers become a mirror that reflects rather than a veil that hides?
Prayer
Loving Lord, help us to look upon your face and be transformed. May your glory be reflected in our lives. Help us to show your power, love and glory to those we meet today. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul served for 40 years as a Methodist minister, most recently serving as Chair of the Lancashire District. He currently sits on the board of Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes.