Experiencing God's Presence #363

We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV

Moses’ face shone with the glory of God, so he covered it with a veil because the people seemed to have a limited capacity for glory. They knew Moses spoke face-to-face with God, and they saw the glow on him; Paul says the veil kept them from seeing the glory, which was fading away. But in making us alive in Christ and giving us open entry to God’s throne, there is no need for veils and glory doesn’t fade. The Presence is no longer designated for a holy place in a tabernacle. It’s a public-access experience.

Paul says that now that the veil has been removed, we can be mirrors that reflect the Lord’s glory. In the process, as His Spirit works in us, we grow to be more and more like Him. As we gaze at Him, His Presence is not just with us but in us. It becomes more and more real.

We gaze at Jesus, His Spirit works within us, we reflect His glory, and we become more like Him. According to Scripture, that’s the process that causes real transformation. But many Christians miss the first step—being face-to-face with Him, being in His Presence—and then are left to attempt transformation by self-effort or a complicated series of spiritual principles. Scripture once presented Moses as a singular exception; the New Testament treats him as a prototype for any Christian’s experience. Don’t assume God wants less than that. Seek that experience from Him as though there’s no limit to the glory He will show you—because, in fact, there isn’t.

Jesus, please give me 20/20 vision in gazing at You. Let me have unveiled, face-to-face encounters. I know there are no limits in knowing You and being known by You. I want to reflect as much of Your glory as You will allow.

From the book