Puzzling Reflections

It is interesting how we come to hear 'popular' Scripture passages at certain events and celebrations. Take for example, 1 Corinthians 13. A number of couples I have guided through their wedding ceremonies have asked for this passage to be read. While it is certainly an appropriate scripture, we don't usually get the time to cover all 13 verses in adequate depth, and so perhaps we miss out on other relevant messages. 

Take for example, verse 12: 

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."

Today, I was asked to preach on 1 Corinthians 13 at a Memorial service, and this verse immediately took on a different meaning for me.  In this life, we are given an imperfect glimpse into the eternal life. We have an idea of what heaven could be like and it is as if we are looking at a puzzling reflection in a mirror. We can only see a part of what is to come and that is enough to allow us to live in faith.

However, when we get to meet Christ, face-to-face, everything will become crystal clear. We will see and know everything completely and we will be KNOWN by Jesus completely. There will be no more guessing or ambiguity. 

Does that make any sense to you? How does it make you feel?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A new kind of Gathering

“Someday, O Israel, I will gather you;
    I will gather the remnant who are left.
I will bring you together again like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture.
Yes, your land will again
    be filled with noisy crowds!" - Micah 2:12

I wonder what Micah had in mind when he pictured the people of Israel being gathered together again. Was it just an image of what he had already seen, or was it something that was totally new and almost unbelievable?

When we gather together this Christmas period, whether it is with family and friends, or even in our Church communities, take a moment to imagine what our Heavenly gathering will look like. I echo Paul's words (1 Corinthians 2:9), where he says:

“What no eye has seen,
    what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
    the things God has prepared for those who love him.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

World Cup Tickets

Today was a significant day for me. I finally got to see my World Cup Soccer tickets and to hold them in my own hands! As a kid I dreamt of one day attending a World Cup Soccer event and I can't believe that my dream will be a reality in just over 3 weeks. I feel like a big 'kid' again.

Have there been some things that you have dreamt about for years and then you have finally got to experience your dream? What was it like? Was it worth the wait?

Sometimes I dream about "Heaven" like this, and I wonder if we will be disappointed that our imaginations have over-glamorised it. Then I realise, there is just no way Heaven will be disappointing. God will be there & whatever Heaven actually looks like, it will be truly incredible.

"No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind can know,
What God has in store..." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

I am hoping that the World Cup Soccer is not a disappointment!
I am convinced that Heaven will be AWESOME!

Living in Grace,
D3LM3