Scripture
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” — 1 Corinthians 13:12
Observation
Paul finishes this section by speaking about how we only see and know God partially through all the spiritual gifts He gives. He tells us that though we can only see God dimly now, we will see Him face to face. God reveals Himself to us in different ways, but due to our nature and sin, we will never be able to see him fully. Our physical earthly selves cannot handle the awesomeness of God nor even begin to know Him fully. Like a blurry mirror, let us keep desiring to see more clearly as the days draw near to Jesus’ return. Let us continue to strive to know Him more and more and never be comfortable or tired of wanting to discover more about God. Like a lover who desires to know their beloved more, let us pursue God in this way. It is like speaking with someone via Zoom using a blurry camera to finally see them in person.
Application
Let us spend more time in prayer, praise, and the Word to draw closer to God. But let us not stop there, but pursue applying the Word of God into our lives. For it is in the living the Word do we begin to understand what having faith is. It is through experiencing God’s love, care, discipline, promises, beauty, joy, provision, and touch that we get to know Him. Saint Richard of Chichester’s prayer expresses this beautifully:
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, in Jesus Christ, we desire to know You more. As we draw closer to You, we ask that You will draw closer to us. Help us and show us how we can be more profound in love with You. Though we cannot see You in completeness now, we eagerly await Your Coming so we may be with You in glory. In Your Name, Jesus! Amen!
