As Paul brings to a close his first letter to the Thessalonians
he says, “…that we may see your face and might perfect that which is lacking
your faith.” (Thessalonians 3:10)
He can send letters and preach to a crowd, but one on one
the individual might inquire about a particular point, or they might witness an
unplanned learning moment. Despite Paul’s title and authority he himself was
still learning and being perfected. It is our daily experiences as we exercise
our faith on what we have read or been taught that result in knowledge. This
applies to each of us either as children or as adults, whatever our station in
life if we are open to learn.
We can read the scriptures, recite them word by word, but
until we externalize them, apply them to our lives and live them they are just
words. It is not until we gain a personal relationship with our Father in
Heaven, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost can we have these experiences and
know God.
What is important about seeing ones face? There are many
paintings of Jesus. Some I don’t like at all, but my favorite is the one by
Dell Parsons. It is the one I have posted on my Favorite Scriptures page. It is
his tender loving expression that touches my heart and makes it real to me. If
you look closely you will notice his face is wet with tears. I don’t know if
Jesus cries as much as I do, but the artist concept is so real to me. When I am in the presence of the Holy Spirit
tears flow and would not the Savior also have tears on his face? I have seen that
very same picture by Dell Parson and Jesus is smiling and it looks wrong to me.
Not that I don’t think he ever smiles because I am certain that he does, but when
I see him face to face both our faces will be wet with tears of joy. In Dell’s
painting Christ is not frowning or scowling. He is not menacing or angry but
loving and compassionate with joyful tears.
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