Gradually Becoming

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.

II Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.

II Corinthians 3:18 (Message)

Something had happened within the Corinthian church where credentials were being called into question. Additionally it appears as though there was more weight and attention upon the letter of the law than the letter of the Spirit. From this vantage point Paul begins or continues to describe the glory of the new covenant. He emphasizes God's glory and how the Israelites could not directly look at Moses following his time with God when God gave the ten commandments. Then he compares or expounds God's present glory within our lives under the new covenant. Transformation or Transfiguration is occurring within our lives - to what? Gradually we are continually becoming more and more like Him as He continues to enter our lives...the Spirit continues to delve deeper within us as we allow and invite Him to do so.

Moses originally needed a veil because of the intensity of God's glory - it enabled him to interact with the people. However, did he really need a veil? And if he genuinely needed it - what was it that caused him to continue wearing it after the glory began to fade? Why exactly did the glory begin to fade? Although the point is not being "proud" or "arrogant" that you have spent so much time in the presence of God that you "glow" - the question which comes to my mind is am I "glowing" and if not...why? My mind thinks of Hebrews - I think - where we are able to boldly come before the throne because Jesus split the veil of separation. We do not function under the same "restrictions" the Israelites of old did - so then why is my face not "glowing" with the reflection of God's majesty? And then the encouragement from another perspective...gradually becoming! -Ing - the state of continuing process. Somedays are better than others. Salvation - it is secure. Sanctification - it is ongoing. As I continue to invite and allow God to continue entering my life this process of transformation/transfiguration continues step by step resulting in me becoming, gradually becoming, more and more like Him.

Ok so here I sit with You - club in hand...ready to "beat myself into submission." So why then is it if You do not desire to "beat" me, that I do it to myself? Why is it that You desire to lavishly embrace me with Your grace, and on some level I perceive that; yet, rather than choosing to receive and surrender to Your grace I feel as though I need to use the club to "beat" myself into Your image? That's exactly what You are requesting of me isn't it? NO! So why if I have this intensity within me to be transformed into Your image that I still stubbornly am vainlessly attempting to make You fit into my box and do things my way? In light of everything especially now in the midst of all that is current have I still not learned "the lesson." Perhaps those self-inflicted "beatings" have done some damage to my ability to comprehend???!!!??? So here we sit together ready to enter into a brand new day. Thank You that my grip is loosening more and more upon that club I have held so tightly through the years. Thank You that this does not all have to happen overnight, and reminding me that it is a process - a continuing process that requires time. Thank You for the hope and the promise that step by step as I continue to walk hand-in-hand with You that my life will continue gradually becoming brighter and brighter and more beautiful as You continue to enter my life and I continue to become like You. Today may I shine with the brightness of Your face and bring You glory.