For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ( 2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV)

Within this single verse, we find a tapestry of divine truth stretching from creation’s first light to the redemptive glow in Jesus Christ. Here, light is not only a physical entity but also a spiritual metaphor that bridges the Old and New Testaments.

Consider Moses’ radiant face, aglow with God’s splendor to such an extent that the Israelites could not look steadily at him (2 Cor. 3:7). This brightness was the visible glory of God. Just as Moses’ face was a beacon of divine glory, an even greater illumination was purposed to radiate from Christ. Although Christ’s physical face did not shine with blinding light as did Moses’, except during the Transfiguration, this distinction poses part of the scripture’s profound mystery.

Paul links this imagery back to the Genesis account, where God called light out of darkness. Darkness here is more than the absence of light; it represents an adversary to be overcome. John speaks of Jesus as the Light, saying, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5, KJV).

What, then, does the light of God shining from Jesus’ face mean? The enigma of this verse is unveiled when we understand that “face” here is symbolic. Whereas Moses’ countenance literally beamed, Christ’s ‘face’ shines spiritually and eternally. We grasp the essence of Jesus’ face in Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person…” (Hebrews 1:3, KJV). Christ’s ‘face’ is His person — the perfect manifestation of God, the radiance of His glory. In recognizing Jesus, we encounter the fullest revelation of the Father. As we grow in our knowledge of Jesus, we gain greater insight into the light of th knowledge of the glory of God!

Continue to seek the face of Jesus, for it is the mirror of the Father’s person.

Meditate

Why is Jesus’ face considered figurative in the above verse, compared to the literal shining of Moses’ face? Re

Apply the Word

Are you hungry to know the Father? Know Jesus. Also, do you yearn to know Jesus? Know His Word!

Pray

Invite the Holy Spirit to expand your knowledge of Jesus. Pray for illumination as you study His Word, that you may grow in wisdom and understanding. 

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• The Image of the Invisible God
• What is the Form of God?
• The Word was Made Flesh—What does this mean?
• God the Word
• What Is the Glory of God?
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

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