Nougat 19

What does transformation look like to you? Is it the ability to shift form like the Marvel comic strip- turned movie series? Is it a material change like liquid to gas or a chemical move that can’t easily be reversed? Of course, although those responses are correct in different contexts, my focus is on the spiritual.

Let us ponder that in more depth as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat

‭2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV‬

[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Transformed Into His Image

Except for Jesus, no one in the Bible has ever seen God’s face since the Fall. We know that Moses, Abraham, Hagar, and several others had profoundly intense moments with God. But even they failed to see God directly. It suggests that the transformation referenced in our Nougat is neither literal nor physical.

As I type, I’m reminded of the term, imago Dei, which underscores the Genesis 1 creation account. In that version, humans were made in God’s likeness. The problem is that we humans opted for ‘autonomy” (or so we thought) over obedience. And disobedience creates a chasm in our relationship with God. Because of that chasm, we spend less time in God’s presence, thus reducing the similarity in nature. We are no longer ‘naturally’ like God.

Of course, we have a way out. Rather, a way across the chasm. Because ‘through one man sin entered the world …’ grace was facilitated by one man (see Romans 5;12 onwards). But it wasn’t just ‘any one man’. That One Man is Jesus, the Son of God, as prophesied by Isaiah, ‘God with us’, Emmanuel.

Now He was the original transformer! Remember Jesus telling the woman at the well that God is Spirit (see John 4:23-24)? If God is Spirit, and the manifestation of God’s presence in our lives is God’s Spirit, then Jesus ‘enfleshed’ is a good example of a ‘transformer’. And He was definitely more than meets the eye.

Our Nougat reminds (assures) us that this is so. In fact, it confirms Jesus’ promise of The Comforter, God’s Spirit, dwelling within us. We are assured that we then become transformed, for what folks see of us after we’ve accepted Jesus is not the us we were before. We who, with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. Yes, I know we know all this, but sometimes we need a reminder.

There are times when others literally can see the change in us. It may be the reflection of God’s glory (after a worship session, or time spent in God’s presence), or the difference in our attitude, or both.

Some theologians refer to this transformation as imago Christi (i.e., the image of Christ). Now, while I agree with them, I wish to note that if:

Jesus and God are One (remember John 10:30), and

Jesus the Son of God is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all Creation (see Colossians 1:15),

then

bearing the image of Jesus is bearing God’s image.

Transform-ed … by grace, we have been changed … into His image.

I pray that our walk continues to match or soon matches Christ’s talk.

I am covered over with the robe of righteousness that Jesus gives to me (gives to me)

I am covered over with the precious blood of Jesus and He lives in me (lives in me)

What a joy it is to know my Heavenly Father loves me,

So He gives to me My Jesus

So when He looks at me,

He sees not what I used to be

But He sees Jesus

—

May all we seek be found in Christ