Unfading Hope

“He has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

Moses used to spend hours and hours in the Tent of Meeting in the presence of the shekinah glory. As a result, when he exited the tent, his face was glowing brightly. The light on his face came from God’s glory. When people saw it they were afraid. Then, gradually the glory light would fade from the face of Moses, and that created a greater fear for the people. The light on his face represented hope and connection to the people, so when it faded, that represented the loss of hope and connection. This was so unsettling that the people went so far as to have Moses cover his face so they would not see the fading of God’s glory.

Paul referred to this in his letter to the Corinthians and used it as a launch point to teach a New Covenant truth: We now have the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in us, the light in the face of Jesus Christ, which never fades. The Holy Spirit now dwells in us, and the glory of God is, therefore, in us now. Invisible, yes, but nonetheless there. And this is permanent. No fading. Thus, because of Christ in us we now have an unfading hope.

Lord, You are our hope, and Your light now shines in us. Help us to let the light out, so others may find their way to You through us. Amen.