1 John 3:1-3 – See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

THEME OF THE DAY: SEEING JESUS FACE-TO-FACE. I spent a lot of time at sea while serving in the Navy. Years at sea which means years of separation from my family. It was hard. Yet, in my absence, I could still “see” each member in my heart and mind knowing there would be a time of physical reunion. I knew my “seeing” through the affections of my mind and heart would give way to literal sight and embrace. And that is how the Christian life is to be lived; by faith (heart and mind seeing) of the Lord Jesus knowing we are headed to a literal encounter with Him, face-to-face. How do I know that is the way we are to live the Christian life? Today’s scripture. The Apostle John tells us if we want to fulfill the purpose of God making us Christians –holy and pure or Christ-like – then think long and hard on seeing Jesus literally. Let’s explore this concept with two practical applications for Christian living.

First, when we think long and hard on seeing Jesus face-to-face, there is a transformation that occurs in our minds, hearts, and lives. The Apostle writes, “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure”. We don’t know how God works and He never tells us to figure out how He works, just trust He is at work. And the work He is doing in every child of His is to make us like His Son, the Lord Jesus. There is no such person who claims to be a believer and lacks growth in the image of Christ. Yes, the pace may be slow, but it will be a forward pace. Not only will this work be evident, but desired. Every true believer has implanted within them the desire for this work to be done. Something is seriously wrong if our profession of faith in Christ does not include an intense longing to become like Christ. The Spirit of God always puts this desire for holiness in the new-born believer. And within this desire to be like Him is the desire to be with Him to behold Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). These two desires are found in today’s scripture and show us they are the ways we live out the Christian life; living with the anticipation of seeing Him which deepens our desire and growth to be like Him.

Next, when we think long and hard on seeing Jesus face-to-face, we remind ourselves He is alive and our walk with Him is alive. It is so easy and dangerous to reduce Christianity to doing this, not doing that, attending church, reading the Bible, offering some prayer, and maybe, if we are not too busy in the world, give a little service for Him. This is not Christianity. It is moralism with a little cold religion sprinkled into our lives. It isn’t attractive because it doesn’t point to Jesus. It isn’t motivating because it’s all about performance. It isn’t satisfying because we are not drinking from the life-living waters of communion and fellowship with the living Christ. The way to avoid all these contradictions of Biblical Christianity is to realize daily and moment-by-moment Christ is alive and dwelling in us. Consider this . . . what if we woke up each day, and Jesus literally said, “Good morning. Ready to live life today together?” Do we think anything would change in our conduct, attitude, and actions? Imagine a literal Jesus side-by-side in every activity of every day. Guess what? He is. By His Spirit and Word. He may be just as real spiritually as He would be physically. Let this sink in; we don’t walk with a code of ethics but with the Living Christ.

Seeing Jesus face-to-face. It is going to happen someday literally, but it can happen today spiritually as we give ourselves over to seek Him in His Word and prayer.

PRAYER: “Father, thank you for the truth of Your Son becoming the Godman that sustains me no matter the trials I face.”

QUOTE: “Think daily on meeting Christ literally and we will spend time in His Word and prayer meeting Him spiritually”.