In a Mirror Dimly

In a Mirror Dimly

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.1

—1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB

Last year, I had cataract surgery. The morning after my first procedure, I walked outside to retrieve my newspaper—yes, we older folks still get a newspaper—and I was astounded at how beautifully clear and bright were the colors of that December morning. It was a brightness that I had not appreciated in many years because of the clouding of my lens. And then …

I returned to Cordoba, Mexico, last week for our church’s annual medical mission trip. I have fallen in love with these people, and I marvel at their faith. I also am enamored of the beauty of this mountainous area, particularly Pico de Orizaba, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. It rises almost solitary from a lower mountain zone, its snow-covered caldera giving proof its origin as a volcano. How splendid is God’s creation!

Our group breakfasts in a small hotel in Fortin. There are beautifully clear windows that look directly out at the peak; however, my seat at the table was facing away from the peak. Then I noticed it: a mirror directly in front of me reflected the glorious view. How majestic it was on this clear morning!

Then I remembered the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians. “For now we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Cor 13:12 NASB). Yes, more dimly than I could see with my cataracts. But even now I am amazed at the glory of His creation. Can you imagine what it will be like to see His works clearly? Without the corrupting haze of our sinful nature? Without the tarnish of the world around us?

We will see the all glory of His creation as He meant us to see it, in His radiance. Indeed, we will see the actual face of God! How I long for that moment.

July 18, 2019