Friday, March 1, 2019
1 Corinthians 13:9-12 . . . For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known . . .
DIVINE LOVE IS DIVINE WISDOM IN ACTION
Human knowledge and science have their place, but they also have their limitations. No scientist studying God's material world, no philosopher pondering the wisdom of the ages, nor any theologian studying the Bible can ever exhaust the storehouse of God's wisdom and knowledge.
That leads to this conclusion: the simple, humble Christian believer in a hut in Africa who has learned to know Christ and Him crucified has more going for him than liberal professors on college or university campuses who put their own wisdom or knowledge above the Bible.
The apostle is not belittling childlike faith. He knows how Jesus teaches that "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Luke 18:16); and on another occasion "Jesus said, 'I praise You Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure'" (Matthew 11:25-26).
Paul's point is there is a time to play childhood games and think in childlike ways; but the time of adulthood comes when childish things are put behind us.
The spiritual parallel? Now "we live by faith, not by sight" (1 Corinthians 5:7). We often don't understand God’s will and ways with us and in the world around us. Now the Bible is our mirror in which are reflected all the holy truths of God's love for us. But in heaven we shall know God and see Him face to face.
The psalm says, " . . . In righteousness I will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness” (17:15). What a day that will be!
Jerusalem, my happy home, When shall I come to thee?
When shall my labors have an end? Thy joys when shall I see?
O Christ, do Thou my soul prepare For that bright home of love
That I may see Thee and adore With all Thy saints above.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 618:5-6)
