Face to Face

Posted on Nov 4, 2017 in Devotions |

Everybody has a hula-hoop, well not an actual one, although you may own one. (I will spare you the image of me actually doing the hula-hoop or being a hula-hoop champion, oops too late- rub your eyes real hard it will go away) Instead I am talking about a hula-hoop of comfort. You know that personal space radar thing. Everyone’s hula-hoop is a different size. Depending on the person and the circumstance your hula-hoop may be large, may be a handshake away or then you have those folks who have no hula-hoop at all. You know the close talkers and close walkers. My hula-hoop is the perfect size and people who get too close are weird and uncomfortable and those that are too far must be timid or aloof. But of course we all feel that way.

Hula-hoops disappear with those we are most intimate with. When children run to their mommies they do not stop two feet away and extend a hand for a hand shake. In fact, it always makes me smile when a little one buries their face in your neck seeking comfort and security. And the most intimate of our expressions of closeness occur face to face. When you are communicating face to face there is no need for any intermediary such as a written note, a phone, a text, tweet, snapchat, or really old school email. Rather, with the most subtle movements of our face we can say volumes.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians and in the midst of “The Love Chapter” speaks of such communication. A time when our relationship with God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is no longer mediated by prayers that need interpretation or the gifts that come from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Right now the Holy Spirit’s gifts are an incredible deposit, but when we are finally in the presence of God, we will know and be known. We will commune with Him face to face. (1 Cor. 13:8-12) I can’t wait.

See you at church,

Pastor Chris