But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
If any of a hope was realized in pt 1 it is to the end that the new man sees not at all as the old man, and moreover does not look as the old man. But here I mean more than appearance as in look like (though he certainly does not to the eye of spirit) but more to the way in which he looks to see, the how in practice he performs looking. It is written Moses veiled his face for the glory upon it (from seeing the Lord) but also due to its fading nature. Such veil is spoken of here, as continuing till removed in, and by, Christ:
And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Moses covered a fading glory, even to the end that it not be apprehended as an abolishing of things before; which was to that them their present time. God appointed that no man see the end of the old until such time as the new (Christ in His glory) be revealed. For now we may leave of certain implications of that, in particular God’s appointing of times and season for blindness…and sight. Not in any way due to the lack of its import nor significance, but rather that something other first be established. Yet I am persuaded such assigning of priorities is merely my own convenience, and not God’s at all; for who alone can do all things…and such all things even at once?
Moses veiled…and veils may keep others from seeing clearly through…but they also hinder the seer wearing the veil. And Moses himself (we might say) got into some trouble over both actions and words…even in not seeing those in his care as clearly as another. Likewise was Elijah reproved when seeing himself as sole remaining in any zeal. Others were, to him, as he saw them. No less, Moses. And we are told by Jesus of John (who baptized) that of women born none had arisen greater, who preached that “He who comes after me is preferred before me”. Something in a someone coming…is greater. Yes, John had the better view, but Jesus also added that “He who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he”.
All that to say that the least portion granted any of the new creature is greater than anything gone before. And either all will be seen and sought in such understanding, or it will not. All is open to the new man, just as the new man “with unveiled face” is to be open to all. Even those looking upon him/them. There is a new way to see, and a way that does not hinder the seeing of others looking upon the seeker. And faces without shame we are given in Christ…to be seen. We are, and to be, open faced. Indeed of all, we are men with nothing to hide but rather under such strength of word to give as we have received, freely. Unhindered. And unencumbered by any impetus to hide.
We might agree this seems a tall order, so to speak, for we know something of sin’s power to engender a furtiveness, a hiding. Even in such manner as to motivate in us a secret looking (so to speak) with which we view others…”Where are they falling short?” Have you found such evil eye willing to work within as some have? The eye that, not yet convinced of mercy and its necessity (and likewise abundance) to the viewer himself, still, in some perverse turn of what appears spirituality, seeks out those who “really need it more”? I know of such a man. Who would piously paint a face while mouthing and mourning his concern over “those poor sinners!”. Those “poor blind folks”. Yet, God sees. And hears all.
Yet Paul speaks of a veil removed…for sight and to be in the sight of others. And we dare not diminish the cunning craftiness sin can motivate. Does motivate. Always motivates. And such power as remains to its assigning till confessed. And the man who is spiritual and/or would be is not unaware of this strange displacement, projection even, whereby it appears so easily identified as in others but often not as easily seen as far closer to home.
“Gee, do I do that too?” which seems such a juvenile question in brevity and form, becomes a very precious query for armament. Removing beams, a labor not given to much popularity for publicizing, becomes in God’s eyes (who alone may see it) a very precious work to Him. And of far more benefit than stabbing at motes with clumsy and unguided hands into the eyes of others.
But if I go too far afield in considerations, may we be brought back to that consideration aforementioned as seeming too high? For it appears God is after a something, a looking for a something in His provision through Christ of children as fully grown in stature as that Christ given for their, even our salvation. A perfect man. Is this not “the man made in the image and likeness of God”? Paul saw a clear distinction and spoke of it as first man, second man, first Adam, last Adam.
One subject to sin (“for when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died” said Paul in identity with the first) but describing the last Adam, the second man, as that life giving spirit. What a vast difference! One made a living being (or soul), the other, the man of and from heaven, a life giving spirit. I do not know whether this can ever be overemphasized.
Are we yet convinced of Paul’s journey in his sojourn of being sent into the earth as an apostle to some discovery/uncovering/revelation of this intent of God? “Till we all come…”? To what is very high, indeed? The Paul who eschewed the wearing of veil or blinders by the new, did he actually see?
It is only settled to us as it was settled to him, by God’s hand of provision (and likewise removal of certain things) by, and through, His Christ. Revelation of matters as they are for the usurping of matters as they appear. Even their tearing down. And God alone knows how to minister death to what must die that life overtake in victory. And Paul, even as His Lord, learned (if we do indeed believe he did) the manner of submission both required (but also provided!) as revealed to Him by his Lord. And we are no less convinced of his then right glorying in the cross of Christ he mentions…frequently. And from this sight, always in his (Paul’s) eyes he was further both convinced of, and convincing in the resurrection of Christ out from the dead. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” A terribly glorious…work.
Yes, we are convinced Paul sees and saw. And as a faithful scribe he wrote of his intelligence with his intelligence. His intelligence gathered in the heavenlies by seeking to remain there with his intelligence (attentions) in order that he might rightly transcribe what he saw and understood for those yet hungry. He speaks of being caught “between”, and settles such by consideration (not advantage to himself) of a yet remaining need of delivery…which settles him into the greater good of, and for, others. Who sees Paul piously painting his own face…or sees a man unveiled? It will make some difference. Both in what we see and how see see.
Lest any find easy accusation for “Paul worship” or idolization over any other worthy apostles and scribe(s), it is not “there” to be had. He loathed such considerations, and to therefore aim what he loathed at him will surely bring reproval from heaven (if not sternest of rebuke), and not on any other account but for Christ’s sake. Into which he and all faithful scribes have entrusted themselves for His glory. He confessed to neither knowing all nor apprehending all (which is for some a fine indication of his honor and verity), but what he did know and see he was not shy to share. Save of one instance in which he sensed forbidding. And this was not to any end of his glorying in himself, but that, with true and open heart and being honest broker he might be made able to say:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
There is a saying of our Lord’s that thrills me beyond many things, especially when considering those matters that, in all, simply seem too high for me. As thrilling as promise may appear at first, I too am a man who has known something of failings and flailings in seeking to accomplish, as though something is given out inspiring hope, but with as dread a danger of disappointment by missing, in frankest failure to perform.
Fear not little flock, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.
The one who teaches it is more blessed to give than to receive is true.
As thrilled as we are to receive, His delight is greater in the giving.
Perhaps for some that could be a good reception, to ask to see how delighted He is, and blessed, to give.
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
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