Old Testament reading: Psalm 42-45
Have you ever been in time of difficulty or turmoil and been immediately relieved at the sight of a familiar and longed for face? I well recall several times when I have suffered a great loss or was in extreme distress, only to be relieved to see the face of my beautiful wife or some other friend or loved one. No words were necessary, just the face of their presence refreshed me. In a time of great distress, the Psalmist looked for relief in seeing the countenance (face) of God: “Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5). David here speaks of seeing the face of God in the sense of God turning his face toward David in his time of affliction. We cannot but imagine how incredibly marvelous it will be to actually see God face to face in eternity. When we dwell with God in the heavenly abode, John says there “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4).
New Testament reading: Luke 22
In contrast with today’s previous reading and the thought of seeing God for comfort, Peter received no comfort when he saw the Lord in Luke 22:61. Less than a handful of hours earlier, Peter had boldly proclaimed his dedication to Jesus, saying, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (v 33). To this claim Jesus retorted, “I tell you Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me” (v 34). After denying his association with Jesus for the third time, the rooster crowed (v 60). Upon hearing the crow, Jesus “turned and looked at Peter” (v 61). One can only imagine the pain expressed in the face and eyes of our Lord as His gaze reached Peter. Peter’s profound remorse is seen as he remembered the words of Jesus and went out and wept bitterly. Have you ever had someone in your life that you never wanted to disappoint? Mine was my Grandpa Burleson. May we never forget that our Lord see us at all times, and consider how He might look at us if we could see His face when we fail Him.
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