Reflections: As one of my Bible college lecturers used to say, when we see a “therefore” we must pause to see what it is ‘there-for!’ The same is true for the word ‘but’. A little earlier in this passage Paul uses the example of Moses, when he returned from Mount Sinai, unaware that his face was shining brightly from being exposed to the glory of the Lord. Moses had to place a veil over his face in order to cover it for the Israelites. Paul makes his point here then pivots on this word ‘but’: ‘But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. ‘ (vs 16). Paul is saying that as a result of the transformative work of Jesus, there is now no need for a veil, that there is a new freedom in Christ, allowing believers to gaze upon God’s face and live. Not only this, but those who do this will be continually transformed into the image or likeness of God.
Question: How often have you spent time pondering, or even simply considering, the beautiful and glorious face of God?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank you for removing the veil from my eyes and heart and allowing me to gaze upon your face. I ask you to fill my mind with the image of God, so that I may see your ways and your likeness and be transformed by it. Amen.