To Know Fully
Originally scheduled for March 4
In the midst of the great "Love Chapter" in
First Corinthians, there is a very curious verse:
1
Corinthians 13:12 NASB
(12) For now we
see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part,
but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.
It is generally taken as a prophecy, implying
that we shall have much greater understanding when Christ returns
than we do now. But there are certain other implications to this
verse:
·
First, it implies that we are known
by God. Think of that! The creator of the universe, the ruler of all
that is seen and unseen, knows you by name.
·
Second, it implies that you are known
as a God knows — that is, you are known in his omniscience. He knows
everything there is to know about you.
·
By the context we can infer one other
thing: you are known to God in
love. His is not a clinical observation, but the intimate
knowing of one who loves you.
Do you see it? God knows me — and therefore he
cares for me, because God is love. More to the point in communion,
God knows all about me (including my sins.) As the prophet Jeremiah
revealed:
Jeremiah 17:9-10 NASB "The heart is more
deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand
it?
(10)
"I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give
to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his
deeds.
Despite this, God knows me in love. He knows
the end love to the point that Christ went to the Cross. Christ did
not go to the Cross in ignorance, but in love.
We remember this every time we celebrate
communion. It was an informed love that sent Christ to the Cross;
that's one reason we "celebrate." Even though we cannot fully know
such love until the return of Christ, we can show our love and
appreciation for it. Thus we celebrate and remember.
I said that first verse is a prophecy; it is.
It will not come true until the return of our Lord. Our knowledge
will remain partial until then. Likewise, until then, we celebrate
the great love of God.
