"We Finally Meet!" (1 Corinthians 13:12)
/I have a professional colleague with whom I have spoken on the phone for years, discussing our mutual patients. We developed a close relationship,transcending our professional association, often conversing through emails and text messages. However, we have never met, until now.
The other day, I was attending a medical educational meeting. As I was being introduced to the people in the room, someone mentioned to me, “Have you met Dr. Smith?”
Turning to face him, we met for the first time. “Paul! So good to finally meet you!” he exclaimed.
I embraced him and laughed, “It is great to finally meet you, too! We’ve known each other for years and now we finally meet!”
It was wonderful to finally meet my colleague! We knew each other very well, all that was missing was seeing each other face to face. And as we reacquainted ourselves, our relationship became deeper and richer with the physical contact, taking on a new dimension that I relished.
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 (ESV)
My recent encounter with my colleague reminded me of the glorious day when I will meet my Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face. When I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, God’s Holy Spirit indwelled within me. He changed my view of Him, myself, and the world. It is a continual process, a metamorphosis. I know much of Jesus through the Bible, through fellowship with the Church, and through my own life experiences and relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit. But as the Apostle Paul reminds us in this passage, it is a partial knowledge. Someday, I will see Him face to face. And when I do, when I behold my Lord face to face, it will be more glorious than I could ever imagine! Like my colleague, it will be deeper and richer. And it will be for eternity!
I can’t wait for that glorious day!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.