“We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate—that is, behold and gaze, are enthralled and ‘smitten’ with the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into Jesus’ image with ever-increasing glory. This is the work of the Holy Spirit in us.” (2Cor.3:18)
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Ps.27:4)
Lord Jesus, I’ve asked you for many things over the years, for you are a most generous Savior. As I get older, however, my prayers are getting more focused on just a few central cravings. I intensely crave a greater revelation of your beauty—your heart-capturing, knee-buckling, life-giving loveliness. It’s a gift you delight to increasingly give each of us—the unparalleled gift we will share in fullness one blessed Day (1Jn.3:1-3).
So heal the eyes of our hearts, Jesus—take away the astigmatism, cataracts, the myopia… whatever keeps us from seeing you as you truly are. You give us air to breath on a daily basis. But take away our breath with a heart-sighting of your matchless splendor, radiance, and beauty, Jesus. We long for more of you, Jesus—to know, love, and adore you as you truly are. It’s how the Holy Spirit changes us (2Cor.3:18).
Indeed, we don’t become like you by the grit of our “Do more, try harder!” but by the grace of your “It is finished!”—not by avoiding sin more, but by abandoning ourselves to you more and more and more, Jesus. The more we love you, the more we will love sin less. The more alive we are to your love, the more we will love as you love us. So Very Amen.