Faceless Christianity

Faceless Christianity
Paul tells us that the "light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is in the "face of Jesus Christ". The first part of that verse (II Cor.4:6) tells us that God has "shined in our hearts to give" us that knowledge. How do we recognize a person? His face. How do we communicate with a person? His face. What do people stare at when they're in love? Their faces.
Jesus. We know who He is; we know what He does; we know His attributes; we know all about him, but when was the last time, if ever, we have seen His face? Think about when you fell in love with someone. You felt that everything in life was just an obstruction from being with that person, and you planned your day around the time you were to be with him or her. Why aren't we like that with Jesus? It is obvious, we have become Martha. We have "left our first love". Ask yourself this question, "Have you ever been more in love with Jesus'? Whatever the answer, ask this, "Have I seen His face?". Do you and I CARE if we have seen His face?
He is in the room where you sit right now as you read this. When we were dating our mates we would stay up late and/or get up early to be with each other. When was the last time you or I did either to be with our Lord and seek His face? Who is our God? Money, schedules, people, things, houses, trips, TV, sports, and a myriad of other idols that take up the abundance of our time.

What would you give to look at the historical face of Jesus for one hour? But understand this, there will come a time when we see His face with heavenly eyes and perfect sight, and He will reveal Himself to His bride. But until that day there is a way to look into His face today. It is seen through devoted eyes as they gaze into His eternal Word and realize they all speak of Him. Like a majestic quilt containing many patterns and many colors the face of our Savior gazes back through a glass darkly at His loved ones. Do you not wish to see it. Are you not overwhelmed with just the thought of Him, and do you ever have seasons of deep seeking Him and His glorious face?

Oh brothers and sisters, even His own bride doesn't long for Him and His presence. Groups have formed around particular interests and there they have staked out their territory. Some treat "reformed theology" as if it was their badge of honor. Some treat evangelism as if it was everything. Some hunt for apostates and substitute time seeking Him. Some chit chat about how off track certain groups are but how many get engrossed about speaking with and about Him? And the truth is that through generations of neglect we have lost the treasure of spending elongated seasons of prayer and meditation on His precious Word. Oh that Jesus would remove these hedonistic sources of time wasting from all of us and draw us to Himself.

Don't worry, though, we're going to heaven on HIS back. But, brothers and sisters, think about this. One day we will ALL stand before Him, and with tears running down our cheeks, we will beg Him for another life to reward Him with. The perfect love that we will feel for our nail-scarred Savior will add to our overwhelming grief. He has GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE, and we have given Him the fringes of this life.

HIS FACE. HIS AMAZING FACE. HIS GLORIOUS AND MAJESTIC FACE. THE FACE THAT LOVINGLY AND CONTINUALLY SEEKS FOR ME.

Jesus, there is no one and nothing that compares with You. You have blessed us with many blessings which we enjoy in Your name. But it is You and You alone that is our life. We bow our heads, open our hearts, and we see Your glorious face...Jesus.