TRANSFORMED: NOW AND FOREVER
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “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 3:18, ESV
Theme: When Jesus is alive in us, His presence transforms us to become more like Him so we can one day join Him in His glory!
WHAT WE SEE
We have recently come from a vacation with incredible sights and experiences. Mike loves to take pictures, but he usually wants to include at least one person in the photo. If not, they all run together, becoming just another majestic mountain or ancient ruin. When you put someone in the frame, it adds context, like the age of the grandchildren gives you an approximate year. Or you are reminded of the people on the trip with you, which gives you a time and place.
Yet when I review these photos after the fact, I don’t see the castle or the waterfall. I see my crooked smile, mussed hair, or wrinkles. And that is the exact same experience we all have! If I find a photo of myself which I like, someone else sees their eyes are squinty or their shirt collar is twisted. We are obsessed with how others see us.
THE RESURRECTED JESUS
In the Garden at the tomb, Mary does not immediately recognize the Risen Lord. In fact, she assumes He is the gardener and asks where they have taken the body of Jesus. However, we also know that Peter, James, and John saw the Lord in all His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus’ “face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as light” (Matthew 17:2b, ESV).
REALITY
This week, in my devotions I’ve been finishing up the book of Revelation. At the end of Chapter 19, after the Lamb of God — Jesus — has overcome all evil powers, celebrations break out. There are multiple refrains of “hallelujah” and worship. Jesus is glorious, victorious, and awe-inspiring. The Bride, Christ’s Church, is prepared for the wedding with the Lamb.
Take a second and read what happens next: “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God’” (Revelation 19:9-10a, ESV).
FROM GLORY TO GLORY
Are you surprised at the angel’s words? He, the glorious messenger, is like us, a fellow servant! In the Psalms, there is a prophesy about Jesus’ incarnation. At that time, He will be human, “a little lower than the angels” (Psalm 8:4-5). So, we know that while we are here on this earth, we too are a little lower than the angels, the immortal servants of God. But in the next world, we will be given authority over the angels: “Do you not know that we are to judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:3a, ESV). At the very least, we will be “like” them: shining, strong, immortal, and victorious.
Make It Personal: I want to become like Jesus now: attractional, welcoming, approachable, gentle, and shining. I don’t want to hide my light under a bushel or keep the Good News of the Gospel to myself. I want to keep before me a vision of the Resurrected Lord and be forever grateful that He has redeemed me, clothed me in fine linen, and is seating me in high places with Himself. There is a balance of confidence and humility in this: to know we reign with Him, but only because of His great sacrifice and victory. Consider how we can be transformed now...in this life...into a shining representation of the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Pray: Lord, by Your Spirit, You empower us to abide in You. You give us the power to overcome sin, and to rule over our own emotions and flesh. Jesus, I want to follow You. I want to become more like You as I put away earthly things and focus on You. You alone are the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank You for Your transformative power in my life. In Your holy Name I pray. Amen.
Read: John 20:11-17; Matthew 17:1-8; Revelation 19:11-16
Weekly Memory Verse: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.’” Matthew 28:5-6a, ESV