The Embrace of Christ

1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.


Glimpses of heaven, of the great glory of God, are what keep me going each day. Whether it is in the laugh of my daughter, a beautiful day, or a touching and powerful quiet-time, these mere reflections mean so much to me. I believe that God allows us these glimpses, these peeks into the heart of Jesus to keep us longing for heaven, to help us persevere until the end.

Consider the joy these glimpses bring to your heart, the thrill and excitement that spring forth when we taste the goodness of the Lord. Consider that they are "but a poor reflection" of what God has in store for us. Today we live moment to moment, hoping for a glimpse of the One who stirs our hearts, but "then" we will see Him face to face! Oh how my heart leaps! Even now we are full of His great love, His thick, lavish love. Yet, all this we only know in part – I don’t think we could handle the full glory of His love.

Some time ago, I was meditating on what His love is like. I was really trying to take it in, to comprehend it completely and fully. Then it occurred to me that here on earth we cannot fully experience His immense love for us – one of the tragedies of being here. It was in that place that God gave me a glimpse of what heaven could be like. I saw people, some I knew and loved, some I didn’t recognize, receiving their welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven – an embrace from Jesus. As each one walked into His arms, I heard Him whisper in their ear, "I’m so glad you’re here, I’ve been waiting for you! I love you so much." And with that embrace, with His sweet whisper in their ear, they would simply collapse in His arms and begin to sob on His shoulder, as the full weight and understanding of His immense love fell upon their hearts. There they would stand, and Christ would simply hold each one. It was beautiful, powerful – mere words do not give it justice.

That is what I see when I read this verse. "Now we know in part," His great and lavish love, "then we shall know fully, even as we will be fully known."