Reflections on: . . . II Corinthians 3:18: Reflected glory

by Herta J. Voth

It was morning at Camp Arnes. Early dawn reached rosy fingers across a blue sky. Through the trees, I glimpsed the rippled lake and traced the liquid path of fractured light eastward. Then the fireball lifted from the distant horizon, dazzling my eyes with its blazing glory. It was too much; my eyelids closed against the brightness. As I turned away, I was startled to see the same view reflected in the tall windows of the building behind me. To my surprise and pleasure, I realized I could contemplate the mirror image quite comfortably, even noting many details my blinded eyes had not distinguished in the original.

Through past millennia, man has attempted to look into the face of God, to see His glory. But mortals cannot behold God's glory and live. Ask Moses. Hidden in the cleft of the rock while the Lord's glory passed by, he was permitted only a rear view from a distance (Exodus 33:12-23).

Then Jesus came, the Son of God incarnate. Clothed in human flesh, He reflected God's glory. Humans could look into His face, see God there and not be destroyed.

Nor is that all. Jesus, the Light of the world, bids us to be the reflection of Him, as lights in our own worlds. What a privilege and what a challenge!

"Reflections on . . . "is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Herta J. Voth of Winnipeg. Freelance submissions (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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