S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #28 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 “I See Clearly Now”
S. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NIV) 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a 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.
O. Paul describes a time when the things that we know partially or prophesy partially will disappear…i.e., the “in part” (the partial) is what goes away. Instead of seeing partially (in part) we will see or know more fully, we will prophecy more fully. We shall see more clearly because we will be going from (spiritually speaking) childhood to adulthood.
When does this happen? There are two main ways to interpret this passage. One thought is when God’s word is completed (when the Bible was completed) or when Jesus’ returns. The phrase “when completeness comes” is neuter gender could refer to either. I think the context favors when Jesus returns. Paul’s words here remind me of John’s description of Jesus’ return:
2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:2-3 (NIV)
A. I will continue to grow in my faith, using the gifts God has given me to build up others and seek Kingdom growth. But I also look forward to the “aha” moment when Jesus returns, and we all then have full knowledge and see things clearly.
P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide. I look forward to the day Jesus returns and we all see things and Him clearly. In Jesus’ name.
