Notes
Now I am on trial because of my hope in the fulfillment of God's promise made to our ancestors... "One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.'
"'Who are you, lord?' I asked.
"And the Lord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'
"And so, King Agrippa, I obeyed that vision from heaven."
Acts 26:6, 12-19
We are called to get glimpses of God's glory, let it shine in our hearts, and reflect that glory to the world. If God revealed everything at once, it would overwhelm us. Instead, He gives us glimpses to build us and prepare us for what's ahead.
Paul believed he was doing the right thing. He was educated in Jewish law and saw Christians as a threat. But then God broke through. Paul's life was transformed by that encounter with Jesus and though his message offended many, he continued to speak boldly because of the hope he now carried. Carrying God's glory is heavy work. But it's also freeing:
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
Jesus offers freedom from sin, shame, guilt, jealousy, envy, and pride. Freedom is walking fully in who God made you to be. But how do we receive that freedom and reflect God's glory? The veil has to be removed:
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2 Corinthians 3:18
The veil represents spiritual blindness. Sin hides our true identity and blocks us from seeing God clearly. Only through Christ is the veil lifted. Only then can we really see and reflect the glory of the Lord.
But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
2 Corinthians 3:14-16
Once we see Jesus for who He is, we begin to reflect Him like a mirror. But we must continue seeking God in His Word. The Bible reveals God's glory, and the Holy Spirit helps us see it. We seek so we can reflect, and we receive so we can share.
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there--no need for lamps or sun--for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:3-5
One day, we'll no longer need glimpses. We'll live fully in God's presence. But for now, our hope, like Paul's, is anchored in the promise of His glory and goodness, no matter what trials we face.
Group Questions
- What does it mean to "get glimpses of God's glory"? Have you ever experienced a moment like that?
- Paul's mission changed after encountering Jesus. Has God ever shifted your path or priorities after revealing something to you?
- Where have you experienced the freedom described in 2 Corinthians 3:17?
- What can you do this week to intentionally seek God's presence so you can reflect His glory to others?
Prayer
Thank you for the glimpses of your glory that remind us of your presence and purpose for our lives. Help us to be mirrors that reflect your glory so that our lives can point others toward you.