THE BLESSEDNESS OF DIVINE ASSOCIATION
By J. O. C.
It is well understood that association is a strong factor in the formation of human character. Not only is this so, but as habits of life change through comrade influences, the countenance bears witness to the reality of effected transition. Contrast, if one will, the countenances of two men, one of whom has had years of association with the underworld, the other for the same length of time having been confederate only with those of deeply spiritual natures. Standing these side by side, even a novice would be able quickly and properly to classify them. By this and similar illustrations, one may readily put to use the truth of a certain scripture contributed by the apostle when instructing the church at Corinth. Contrasting the ministry of early Hebrew times with that of the present, he said, “We all, with open [uncovered] face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.” 2 Cor. 3:18. The word “changed” here used is from the same root as that employed in Matt. 17:2, and rendered “transfigured.” Then as Christ was transfigured when resting specially under God’s glory, so men are privileged, by looking into His transfigured countenance, to find their own features changed into His image. The reason for this is that in the face of Christ shines the light of the knowledge of God’s glory. 2 Cor. 4:6. He being constantly associated with that glory, and studying its luminous rays, the light of its knowledge is propagated in and spread over His very countenance. But this is not the privilege of Christ alone. The same treasures may be maintained in human faces, simply by continually beholding the glory of God carried in the face of Christ. Verse 7. When this enviable state is actually reached, no offer of worldly allurement could possibly turn one’s gaze from its heavenly attraction. This point may be made impressive by reference to a reputed item of history. The German sculptor Dannecker, in producing the face of Christ in marble, was said to have spent eight years in the study of that holy countenance, endeavoring to fix in mind every facial expression, as it would appear to him from the various experiences attributed to the Saviour in the sacred text. The result was a chiseled face with love and sorrow so blended that beholders were caused to weep audibly. Consequently the sculptor’s fame was sounded in high places, and he was approached with a tempting offer to produce a statue of Venus, a heathen goddess. The great artist utterly refused the tender, on the ground that, having studied the face of Christ for so many years, its glories could not be sufficiently eliminated to permit him to produce properly any visage of opposite expression. So it may be with others. By beholding the face of Christ carrying the design of God’s glory, one may be changed into the same image, and like Him avoid every temptation looking away from heavenly things.