Archived Verse Of the Week

- BsL

In ancient times, they didn't have the clear glass mirrors we have today. Instead, mirrors were made of polished metal and provided a reflection that was dim and distorted. The reflection in the mirror was merely an imperfect depiction of what could be seen by the naked eye.

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Mirrors make it simple to see the outside, but it's more challenging to see oneself and others from the inside. But God created you; thus, He already knows you inside and out.

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Our "spiritual vision," which apostle Paul states, "For now we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face" (1 Cor. 13:12). This word "darkly" refers to an enigma, a broken reflection of the complete truth in Greek. Darkly would signify that our current spiritual senses on earth are, at best, imperfect. Paul says that we don't see God as clearly as we would like right now but that a moment will come when we will see Him with breathtaking and unmistakable clarity.

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The apostle Paul grappled with knowing himself and being known (Romans 7-8). No one could understand him better than his God and Saviour, which he summarizes in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12. "For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away." When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now, we see in a mirror, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."

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God has mercifully revealed Himself to us. We can catch a glimpse of His eternal glory, however imperfectly. Others are blind to even the parts we perceive imperfectly. We are in the process of becoming exactly like Him. As 1 John 3:2 reminds us, we will share His whole life in glory: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

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In Jude 24, we find measureless encouragement if we will believe what it says: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless, Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." We will experience perfection; we won't have a spot, blemish, or wrinkle.

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Look in the mirror today and consider your identity in Christ. Your Father and Creator God knows and loves you completely. Before you leave the house each day, completely surrender the day to God and allow Him to lead you. Ask him to open your eyes to see his ways and to help your heart trust in his truth within you. Pray that your realization of being fully known will ultimately connect you with God's calling for your life.