In Psalm 17 we hear the voice of our Lord, yet identified with His people (Num. Bible, Notes.) And so in closing, most graciously He can say, "As for Me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness:I shall be satisfied, when I awake with Thy likeness." One is reminded here of that prophecy in Isaiah 53:11:"He shall see of (the fruit of) the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied."

In 1 John 3:2 we are told:"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." Most glorious revelation! Most gracious, that He the infinite One should so identify Himself with poor frail creatures! No wonder the apostle concludes that, "Every one that has this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure!"

Col. 3:1-4 tells how we may be so purified:"Set your affection (both mind and heart) on things above, not on things on the earth." A divided heart is not a pure heart-unmixed with things of earth and sense. How many things filter into one's life, unwittingly often, and defile that coveted purity! Pride, for instance; pride of knowledge, pride of position, pride of family; yes, of spiritual attainment even, and of virtuous living! All these, laid hold of by the flesh, if not watched, like gathering clouds will obscure "the glory of the Lord."

Too often we merit the exhortation in Eph. S:14:"Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise up from among the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee." Indeed, we may awake with His likeness and be satisfied; may anticipate in this life that "blessed hope," and its sanctifying influence upon our walk and testimony. We may reflect His image here while waiting "for the manifestation of the sons of God."

The truth of such a present experience is substantiated in 2 Cor. 3:18:"But we all, looking on the glory of the Lord with unveiled face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord the Spirit." Peter tells us that it is by faith-"Whom having not seen, ye love; on whom, though not now looking but believing, ye exult with joy unspeakable and filled with glory" (literally, glorified).

We of this dispensation who now look by faith upon the face of the glorified Christ, unconsciously reflect His radiant beauty amid the surrounding darkness. And so may His grace abound towards all His saints that no veil of any sort will exclude the light of His countenance. May we all, "looking away unto Jesus," be so transformed into His image that, as Paul himself was, we too may be living epistles of Christ! .

"Satisfied with Thee, Lord Jesus,
I am blest;
Peace which passeth understanding,
On Thy breast;
No more doubting, no more trembling,

Oh, what rest!

"Taken up with Thee, Lord Jesus,
I would be;
Finding joy and satisfaction
All in Thee;
Thou the nearest and the dearest Unto me."

Herbert Cowell