WATCHWORD:
We all come with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
just as by the spirit of the Lord.
2 Cor 3:18
Meditation:
(Adapted from a Jesus Calling devotional in 2020.)
Jesus tells us to trust Him and not to be afraid, despite the many things in our lives that feel out of our control. We don’t find it easy to adapt to ‘new normals’. I know because, although I have lived at in my retirement community for 14 years, five days ago I left that apartment for a place in the Manor, in some ways it was exciting, while in other ways I felt slightly out of kilter. Old comfort zones were left behind and new ones had to be established over time. So many of you have experienced just that kind of transition. In the midst to the chaos of moving, if you listen carefully you might hear something like this:
What is that, you say, Lord?
“Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and through those circumstances that seem to cause you to separate yourself from Me.”
“The rock that is higher than me? What does that mean, Lord?”
“You know, my child, you remind me so much of another beloved son of mine. Thomas had to be convinced in such concrete terms. His faith was strong but it needed to be anchored just a little before that strength was fully matured and he became the disciple that he is.
“You have such strength within, and you need to reach out and tap into the power that I offer. You remind me of another of my Sons, Peter, who caused so much stress within himself. He had no idea that he was following the calling of My Father, even in his denial, when the Gift of Calvary was being given.
“Here, take my hand and grip it tightly, let me lead you to the fullness of the Word, The Rock, and beyond your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.
“Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, and ingrained habits, etc., accept the challenge of something new. I will lead you from glory to glory, making you fit for my kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust me, and don’t be afraid.”
2 Corinthians 3 is Paul’s letter of recommendation. As you read that you realize that he’s talking about the Corinthians themselves, and about our own faith walk. He tells us, as he reflected on the Corinthians, that our faith is written on our hearts, and is known by others in the way we live our lives. The Christians at Corinth, along with groups of Christians wherever Paul had worked, were Paul’s ‘Living letter’ to validate not only his ministry, but our own.
In verse 18, Paul invites every Christian to a special, glorious intimacy with God. This is a relationship and transforming power that is not the property of just a few privileged Christians. It can belong to all, to everyone who has an ‘unveiled face’. (Meaning: When you and I turned to the Lord, the veil was taken away.) Amen.
On Eagles’ Wings
“You, who would dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abides in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, ‘My refuge’
‘My Rock in whom I trust’
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, we are your children, but sometimes we miss that point in our everyday lives. Forgive us that oversight and instill in us the strength and dedication to live by faith in You each day, turning our backs on the distractions that seem to plague us each day. They will be ever mindful of the graces you have given us to share your word, in our world. It’s in Jesus name we pray. Amen.
