The Mirror

 

A mirror is defined in the dictionary as,

"A surface that reflects and produces an image of an object placed in front of it”

“A polished surface that forms images by reflecting light”

“A faithful depiction or reflection”

From these definitions one thing is certain, a mirror reflects. Therefore, when we stand in front of a mirror what we see is a reflection of who we are. It shows us a reflection of ourselves, externally.

Suppose you were given a mirror through which you could see deep inside yourself? A mirror, that reflects who you are on the inside rather than what you look like on the outside? A mirror, that is able to transform you on the inside, change your image and change your life? What would such a mirror be worth to you? Do you think that you could put a price on such a mirror? Do you think that its value can be compared to anything else?

What would you say if I told you that such a mirror already exists? And not only does it exist but that we all have access to this mirror. This is no ordinary, natural mirror but an extraordinary, supernatural mirror.

Let’s take a look in the short but informative letter written by Jesus’ brother James, a pillar of the early church,

“Whoever listens to the Word but does not put it into practice is like a man who looks in a mirror and sees himself as he is. He takes a good look at himself and then goes away and at once forgets what he looks like.”  – James 1:23-24 (GNBUK)

It is clear, from these two verses, that James is comparing the Word of God to a mirror.

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians tells us,

“For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly) but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].”  – 1 Corinthians 13:12 (AMPC)

Here we see that Paul too is comparing the Living Word of God to that of a mirror; he is actually pointing out the inadequacy of a natural mirror which can only give a blurred reflection.

From these passages of Scripture, we can safely deduce that the extraordinary, supernatural mirror mentioned earlier is the Word of God, but not just the Word, it is the Living Word of God.

The Apostle John tells us in 1 John 1:1-2 that Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God – the pre-existent Word Who existed before the beginning of time, the One Who became the Incarnate Word and Who exists eternally (see John 1:1-14).

Both James and Paul exhort us to keep focused on the Living Word of God because it is only when we fix our eyes upon the Word with intent and with purpose that we are transformed. A casual glance into the mirror will reap no benefits or blessings. We must gaze into the Living Word continuously with undivided attention.

“But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.”  – James 1:25 (GNT)

Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God is found throughout the pages of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

We know, from the Apostle John, that both Jesus and the Spirit were with God in the beginning, when God said,

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness… So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”  – Genesis 1:26, 27 (NIV)

We were created in God’s image and likeness, but that image was tarnished and distorted by sin. The good news is that Jesus Christ has opened the way for our full restoration of that image.

When we truly see Jesus in the mirror of the Living Word of God, transformation begins to take place within us.

When we read and absorb the Word, we begin to truly see Jesus as the Living Word of God.

As we delve ever deeper into the Living Word, Jesus removes the veil of limitation from our hearts and our minds, and we receive understanding. Now, we can see His love, His magnificence, His incredible beauty and His glorious reflection.

On seeing His glorious reflection, we become acutely aware that a change is taking place within us.

“And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”  – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (AMPC)

Note that it is through the power of God’s Spirit that this transformation takes place.

As we are placed in front of the mirror of the Word, the light of the Word is reflected and an accurate image of who we really are is revealed.

This self-revelation by God’s Living Word depicts who we are by nature and at the same time shows us who we can become. Looking intently at the Word will reunite us with Christ in Spirit, instilling in us all the attributes ascribed to Spirit. At that time, when Jesus looks at us, He will take an account of what He sees and He will see Himself, His own reflection in you and in me.

This miraculous transformation can only happen if we surrender our lives to Christ.

In the book of Exodus, we are told of a man named Bezalel, whom God Himself appointed and filled with the Spirit to perform the job of chief artisan of the Tabernacle of God. One of the items crafted by Bezalel was the laver, a basin that contained liquid for cleansing. The laver was made from the bronze mirrors which belonged to the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle.

These women surrendered their mirrors in order that the mirrors could be transformed into a new thing – a vessel for use by the High Priest for cleansing and restoration. We must also surrender our own “mirrors”, our vanities, so that we might be created anew for use by our High Priest, Jesus Christ, becoming the lavers into which our High Priest may look and see His own reflection.

The mirror is a symbol used in Scripture to denote the supernatural transformation that is possible for us to experience, if we would take heed and conform our lives according to the Word of God (see Psalm 119:9).

The Living Word of God is God’s spiritual mirror and until we gaze attentively into that mirror we will forever have a wrong image of ourselves.

Beloved, do not avert your eyes, but keep them fixed on Jesus, the Living Word of God, His spiritual mirror, and you will experience a miraculous transformation from the image of fallen man into the image of God Himself.

 

Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “The Mirror” © 2013 revisited October 10, 2025