In the previous article we saw how all the scriptures point towards Jesus Christ. Only within the light of who He is and what He did do the real meaning of the scriptures become clear. As we follow this ‘pointing’ in scripture and come to a clear view of Christ, an amazing surprise awaits: Christ point straight back to you! In discovering who He is, you discover yourself. Jesus did not come to just live a unique life and be adored by millions. No! He came to reproduce!
2Co 3:18 But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord Spirit.
2Co 4:4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving ones, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (who is the image of God) should not dawn on them.
2Co 4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2Co 4:6 For it is God who said, "Out of darkness Light shall shine;" who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
When we truly see Jesus as He wants to be seen, it is impossible to view Him in isolation; as an individual on His own. Seeing Him, immediately awakes within me the realization of who I am. I see Him as in a mirror.
Lets translate the word ‘glory’ or greek ‘doxa’ to more fully appreciate this truth.
Thayer Definition:
1) opinion, judgment, view
2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone
2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory
But we all, with our face having been unveiled, having beheld the good opinion of the Lord as in a mirror, are being changed into the same image from a lower opinion to a higher opinion, even as by the Lord Spirit.
..who shone in our hearts to give the brightness of the knowledge of the good opinion of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Jesus reveals that the Father favours you! His opinion about you is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, and it’s a good opinion!
John continues this same thought by saying that what we see, determines who we are!
1Jo 3:2 … But we know that when He shall be revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Col 3:4 When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
The word ‘When’ can be translated: Whenever.
Whenever Christ our life is revealed, we are revealed with Him. He does not reveal Himself in isolation. He reveals Himself in a mirror. The revelation of Christ cannot be casually observed without it affecting you, because it is the revelation of your true identity.
My friend Francois Du Toit tells the following story in his book ‘God Believes in You’:
“While we were on honeymoon at Blydepoort, Mpumalanga [Jan 1979] Lydia and I met an official from Nature Conservation who told us of a fascinating incident: she witnessed the dramatic release of a Black Eagle a few weeks prior to our visit. This eagle had been captive in the Pretoria zoo for ten years. She told us how thrilled they were with excitement and anticipation when the eagle finally arrived in its cage and the gate was opened. But only with difficulty did they eventually succeed to nudge the bird out of its cage. It was one thing to get the bird out of the cage, but how do you get the cage out of the bird? In the mind of this eagle, it was still captive in the Pretoria zoo! Every one was holding their breath, but this once mighty bird remained the pathetic prisoner of an inferior mindset. Nothing changed until much later when another eagle began to call in the area. The eyes of the zoo-eagle immediately lit up, and the next moment she took off in majestic flight to soar in unrestricted space. When you hear the familiar voice, you no longer require flying lessons. The prison doors are open. Hades cannot hold you back. (Greek: ha+ideis, 'not to see' imprisoned by the senses)Faith is to your spirit what your senses are to your body. Faith is a voice!”
Jesus Christ is the voice of that free eagle. He awakens within man that part that still remembers that we originate in God. His life calls to you saying: ‘Rise to your full height; be united with God; see what God sees; think what he thinks; say what He says; and live as He lives! And through us He now continues that call; a call to the captives to declare that the prison doors have been opened!
In John 10:20 – We see an account of Greeks coming to the disciples and requesting to see Jesus. Notice that this was at the end of the religious feast; religion cannot satisfy man.
Jesus was made aware of these people seeking to see Him. He was also aware that religious tradition always seeks to separate the worshipper from ‘what’ he worships. Religion also builds endless levels of hierarchies that elevate some individuals above others. This was another situation in which people wanted to come and see the ‘Man of God’, the ‘Prophet’. Jesus responded with the most amazing words: Joh 12:24. Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it abides alone; but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.
Jesus saw that His purpose was not to remain alone, but to bring forth much fruit. He came that we could be one with the Father as He was one with the Father. Joh 17:22 And I have given them the glory(the good opinion) which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one,
He came that we also might do the works He did, and greater! John 14:12
His purpose was to reproduce His life in others and He succeeded. That’s why he says in Heb 2:11 that He is not ashamed to us brothers!
By Andre Rabe
http://eclesia.blogspot.com
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