“Now all of us, with our faces unveiled, reflect the glory of the Lord as if we are mirrors; and so, we (respond) being transformed, metamorphosed, into His same image from one radiance of glory to another, just as the Spirit of the Lord accomplishes it.”

2 Cor. 3:18 THE VOICE

Is my face veiled or unveiled?

 My response upon reflection; why would we have veiled faces? What does one’s face reflect? This verse is referencing the Old Testament account of Moses coming down from God’s glory on the mountain and the people could not handle the brightness of God’s glory reflected on his face, so they veiled him in their presence and then he unveiled himself when he came into God’s presence. (Exodus 34) There was another thing the people could not handle as well. While Moses was away, they became a “wicked, stiff-necked, hard-headed people.” (Moses’ words vs. 9) They worshiped other Gods creating altars, sacred pillars, and fertility poles. The faces of the people of God did not reflect the glory of God. Remember that simple little tune, “be careful little eyes what you see.”  Yes indeed, idols do not reflect His glory. Idols reflect self, ownership, control, grasping, doing, striving, and ego. How did God respond? A clear command to tear down, break down, chop down, smash and remove them. “Do not worship any other God…for The Lord is a jealous God.” (vs. 14) Thank goodness God loved His people (us) too much to leave things this way. We soon see as God proclaimed when he passed in front of Moses, he is a “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. (vs. 6-7) This word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) His name is Jesus. Thanks be to God for the New Covenant; the indescribable gift of God for the people of God. All those who leave their own ways, accept Jesus as Savior, and embrace Him as The One and Only Lord have unveiled faces. The moment they receive Him, John 1:12, they become part of the Bride of Christ and the veil is removed. We see Him in all His glory. How do we respond? THANKSGIVING of course! “We enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”  (Psalm 100:4) We rarely reflect His glory more than when we respond in worship giving thanks.

 

As ministers of this new covenant, God always leads us in triumphant procession in Christ with unveiled faces, so we reflect His glory. “Through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”  (2 Cor. 2:14). “We ourselves are all the endorsement we need. Our very lives are a letter anyone can read by just looking at the reflection. Christ himself wrote it – not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone but carved into human lives – and we publish it.”  (2 Cor. 3:2-3) Furthermore, explaining how “we respond being transformed, into His same image from one radiance of glory to another” (2 Cor. 3:18) accomplished by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

This month let us pause to reflect:

  • How have we entered into His gates?
  • Do we have veiled or unveiled faces?
  • Has God’s living spirit transformed us?
  • Are there idols to be cleared away?
  • Is our walk a triumphant procession that reflects His glory?

 

How do we respond?

  • We can begin by simply entering into a time of giving Thanks on our mats.
  • We can respond by taking the posture of gate or a bridge of thankfulness.
  • We may raise a Hallelujah lifting our hands while entering His presence in praise. 
  • We might hold a plank of thanks counting our blessings while building strength.

 

Finally, we land radiant in Shavasana, a cup full, prepared to reflect His glory as His messengers of light in the world, radiating the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. God makes personal eye contact with us through the eyes of another. One unveiled face to another. We can respond and reflect His light and love by making eye contact with the world. Let us with unveiled faces look into the eyes of another this month and reflect Him. What a simple yet profound assignment!    How will you respond & what will you reflect?

 

Reflecting on the Season. Responding in Gratitude.

Christian Yoga Association contributor, 12/15/2021