Reflection Text: II Corinthians 3: 7-11,16-18
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 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.
A reflection is to give back an image or likeness. When ‘one’ turns to the Lord the veil that kept the light of God from shinning (as with Moses) is uncovered or taken away and now every believer has the very light sent from God! Think about this, “we have been given that which is far greater than what Moses had!” What brings the Spirit of the Lord? Worship. The purpose of worship is to change the face of the worshiper. That is exactly what happened to Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration!
Matthew 17:1-2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
What was this transfiguration about? What was Jesus doing when this occurred? Jesus was talking unto the Father (He was in prayer) and the transfiguration was all about Jesus’ disciples seeing and learning that they could behold the light of God also!
The connection between the face and worship is more than coincidental. Our face is the most public part of our bodies; it’s covered less than any other area!
It’s the most recognizable part of our bodies! When we look at a school annual with photos we don’t look at people’s feet but rather we look at the photos of faces! (When thinking of someone, our memory always will return to that person’s face.)
When we are growing and doing the work of Christ we reflect His glory! So how do we do Jesus’ will?
1. Worship. When we truly worship we begin to find God’s will. As you worship you fulfill most of God’s 10 commandments. (Because you are putting the Lord of Glory first!)
Psalm 95:1-7 (Read with me) Oh come; let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.
4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. 5 The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.
2. When we ‘desire’ the Holy Spirit we will have the ability to do God’s will.
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
II Cor. 3:16-17 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Liberty relates to an individual who can act or live with freedom according to his or her own will! (Liberty promotes freedom!)
3.When we pray by faith we’re doing the will of God. James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
When sharing God’s word we shouldn’t be amazed when someone responds unto the faith we’re preaching or teaching! Some will rise up and be healed; while others will receive and be ready for eternity!
II Cor. 3:18 I like the way the New Living Translation renders this verse: "… as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory more and more."
God know exactly what He wants to accomplish in your life; however, for this to occur His plan involves you reflecting His presence!
Change isn’t free! – 2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."
As we allow ‘His’ reflection in our lives we become transformed from one image to another! How many of you remember that toy called transformers? It begins as one toy and can be converted into another! Kids love them because they get two toys for the price of one!
Jesus Christ in you desires to bring transformation! He desires for you to reflect His glory through your life!
Phil. 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
God’s word will heal, save, bring eternity or it will condemn!
When you decide to become a worshipper, to receive God’s Spirit in fullness and to walk and talk in faith according to God’s word-you will reflect the very presence of God!
