There is much good news – and challenge - held within this verse: not least the suggestion that each one of us will be more like Christ tomorrow than we are today, providing we allow the Spirit free reign in our lives. The transformation process is forged by Him.

Paul has been looking back to the time when Moses returned from Mount Sinai with the law (for the second time!), and, having spent time encountering God, living in his presence, his face was so radiant that the Israelites were afraid to draw near to him.  Note that the problem lay neither with Moses nor the law – but with the hearts of the people. There is a veil – a hardening of heart – that prevents them from drawing near.

When we respond to Christ, repent and believe in Him, choose to entrust our lives to Him, It is as if a veil has been taken away. Our eyes have seen, our ears have heard, and our hearts are opened to Him in a way that begins to transform us. Imagine the most beautiful bride arriving at the altar, and the moment when her bridegroom lifts the veil to gaze upon her beauty. Each one of us is like the most beautiful of brides (sorry guys) in the eye of our Creator, our Saviour, our Redeemer. He is the one who lifts our veil, He is the one who gazes upon our beauty, He is the one who, as we in turn our gaze upon Him and bask in His love for us, transforms us into an even greater beauty – or radiance.

We shine with his reflected glory. Unlike the glory that came upon Moses on Mount Sinai, this glory is not intended to fade away, but instead to ‘gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.’ (The Message v.18). It is his confidence in this promise that emboldens Paul to declare the Gospel fearlessly. So, may it be with you.

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Application:

In our ‘marriage’ to Jesus the intensity of that first love is intended to remain (Rev 2:4), even deepen and mature. As John urges in Revelation 2:4, let us not forsake our first love.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for Your promise to change me into Your likeness. Would You come and do Your work in me again today; I yield to You and invite You to come Lord Jesus, by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.