4 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
2 Samuel 2
1 Corinthians 13
Ezekiel 11
Psalms 50
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
1 Corinthians 13:12 (CSB): “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In first century Corinth, they didn’t have mirrors like we have today. Instead, they had bronze mirrors. They were polished steel.
As you can imagine, even though they reflected the image of the person standing in front of them, the image was distorted. It was not clear. This point was made abundantly clear when compared to the clarity of looking at someone face to face.
In the verse I have chosen for today, Paul compares this difference to our experience and joy in our relationship with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (CSB): “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known.”
The Christian (this side of Heaven) doesn’t really know Jesus that well compared to the relationship we will have with Him in Heaven. While salvation is knowing God (John 17:3), it is an unclear knowledge. It is a knowledge based upon what we read in God’s Word, faith, and (secondarily) our experience of walking with Him throughout the moments of our days. Further, our sin compounds this problem and causes our relationship with Jesus to suffer as we periodically pull away from Him.
Paul wasn’t satisfied with his current relationship with Jesus (looking into a bronze mirror). He wanted to experience Jesus fully (face to face).
Friend, God made us for a relationship with Him. We cannot be fully satisfied in the deepest parts of our soul unless we are satisfying ourselves with a meaningful relationship with Jesus.
Just listen to how a couple of disciples described their time with Jesus on the day He rose from the dead. Initially, they didn’t recognize Him and simply listened to Him speak. After He left them, they said…
Luke 24:32 (CSB): “They said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?’”
They LOVED being with Jesus and listening to Him!
Throughout the pages of Scripture, we observe men and women who discovered the joy of experiencing God and being in His presence. Their lives call us to follow them. We are being invited into a growing, deeper relationship with our God. While it is true that we will not enjoy that divine relationship in it’s fullness until we arrive in Heaven, we can certainly gain much more joy from it in this life.
So, friend, listen to Jesus as you read your Bible. Talk to Jesus when you bow on your knees in prayer. Walk with Jesus as you live with a conscious awareness that He is with you every moment of this day. Enjoy your relationship with Him and realize that it will only get better when you walk through death’s door.
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Lord Jesus, thank You for creating me for Yourself. Thank You for inviting me into a relationship with You. I want to satisfy my soul’s longings with You in this life. And I look forward to the day when my faith is turned into sight and I get to enjoy You face to face. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 