Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 13, 2016
No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:3-4
In the south we like to say, “Good to see you.” It’s beyond a friendly greeting, because it’s much better to look into someone’s eyes—see their soul and feel their heart. Even technology allows us to FaceTime two friendly faces, so we might better bridge the impersonal feel from a geographic chasm of what can be several hundred miles. Face to face interactions grow trust, deepen intimacy, influence decisions and increase understanding of one another. Face to face encounters are “God moments” to reflect a face of faith, hope, comfort and love. Face time is faith time.
Because of our earth bound limitations and imperfect perceptions, our mortality encounters an unclear face of Christ. We enjoy glimpses of His glory in rapturous worship and intimate prayer. We see the outline of His countenance in the unselfish service of one of His choice servants, who quietly gives expecting nothing but praise to God in return. But the beloved John lifts our spirits in his Holy Spirit inspired description of our eventual return to Eden, restored to its original intent of purity and perfection. The face of Jesus lights up the eternal city with His illuminating love!
“Anyone who has seen me [Jesus] has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me” (John 14:9-10)?
In the meantime we see our heavenly Father—when we see Jesus. When we see the compassionate face of Jesus look on the woman caught in adultery—we see the mercy and holiness of our heavenly Father—He forgives, but expects us not to sin. When we see the angry face of Jesus confront the commercialism of God’s place of worship—He addresses injustice and validates His authority by predicting His coming resurrection. When we see the gaunt and anguished face of Jesus on the cross—He forgives ignorant men and comforts His grieving mom. Because the face of Jesus faced what we face—He understands—His countenance is empathetic.
What does it mean for us to seek the face of Jesus? We seek His face in Scripture and He fills our mind with truth and understanding. We seek His face in praise and worship and He fills our heart with hope, gratitude and glory to God. We seek His face in quiet prayerful, contemplation and He fills our soul with forgiveness, peace and comfort. When by faith we lock eyes with our loving Lord we feel loved and valued, because we are His precious child. Death is only a maitre d’ who leads us to dine with the Lamb. The man of sorrows gently wipes away our tears of sorrow. The faithful face of Jesus reflects no shame—overflows with felicity—while all eyes are captivated by Love.
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I long to see You face to face, in the meantime I seek Your face of love.Application
Who is sick or dying that I can comfort with the promise of seeing Jesus face to face?Related Reading
Genesis 32:30; Exodus 33:11; Matthew 5:8; John 6:46; I Corinthians 13:12lasPost/Tweet today
Death is only a maitre d’ that escorts the faithful to be with Jesus face to face. #WisdomHunters #thefaceofJesusWorship Resource
5 minutes – Jeremy Camp: There Will Be a Day Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Order now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android appComments are closed.
I am on the list to receive Wisdom Hunters, daily, but Sunday and today I did not receive it. It was not in spam or trash.
Thank you, Susan
Dear Susan,
Thank you for letting us know. I will look into this right away and I will get back to you at your gmail address. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
We are thankful that you are a fellow wisdomhunter!
Blessings,
Gwynne