Encouraging Words - Pt 2

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:12-18 ESV). The second word is imbedded in our sanctification. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians they are all “being transformed from one degree of glory to another.”There is a process at work in the life of every believer. We are being changed into his likeness. Of course this does not happen overnight; however, as we live this life God produces his ever-increasing glory in us! I don’t know about you, but most of the time I feel anything but glorious. In fact, the older I get, the more inglorious I feel. Physically, as I age, I notice the changes in my body and wonder how I got so old so quick. Surely this wasn’t a slow process, was it? Yet, I am immediately reminded of the promise of God to make all things new. I can think of some very practical things that being “new” will mean. Just last night as Mary and I had sat down for a bit of relaxation, I realized that my hands were unusually swollen. I guess I either did something I shouldn’t have or more likely ate something I shouldn’t have eaten. Mary merely said, “Did you have too much salt today?” I really hate it when she’s so right so quickly. I had splurged that day and I was paying the price with the discomfort of my hands. Well, at least a part of the glorious newness of my ultimate transformation is that will never be the case again. AS wonderful as the physical transformation is going to be; the emotional and spiritual transformation will be even greater. Paul must have been primarily thinking of this when he wrote to the church in Corinth. Remember their pride at the many gifts of the Holy Spirit they exhibited. In fact, it was a source of division with some of the members. Some felt they were so “good” that they eclipsed other members. None of that will exist in our final glorification. Each of us will be as God fully intended for us. We will be perfectly suited for our eternal homes. We will lack nothing good. That is a significant point of encouragement. This world is merely a preparation for the next. It is the time God requires to finish the work He has begun in each of us through Christ. I often forget in the midst of trial or challenge that this world is not the end game. When I focus on the real prize I am able to put this world into perspective. Again I am able to recognize they are “light and momentary afflictions” (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18). They are not worth considering in the full scheme of God. I assume that since you are reading this that you woke up today. Rejoice! You are one day closer to God’s final glory for you!