The Face of Christ

The Face of Christ

Two parents were at their work one day when their little daughter came into the room. She wanted to help father and mother who were at opposite ends of the room, and she asked for something to do. She went happily about her little "work," which was, of course, not important, but the mere handling of scraps of paper. She was happy, however, because she was "helping."

Then, as children do, she tired of her occupation and went about her play, returning from time to time to the room where the quiet work was going on. Finally, she came with a piece of paper and said, "Please write a letter on this paper." The father smiled, took the paper and wrote on it and said, "Now please take this note to Mother." The child carried it across the room and, at first, the mother did not want to be disturbed, but finally took the paper and read it. It said, "Mother: Look closely at the face of the bearer of this note and tell me just what you think of it!" The mother smiled, swept the child into her arms tightly, and said, "What do I think of this? I think this is precious." The child returned the mother's kiss and went on again to play.

The father continued his work, but could not help thinking of the peculiar relationship of parents and children. What is it that causes the heart to surge with joy at the sight of the child? It is a feeling, an instinct, all a part of that which God has given the human race. Such things have been called "the vestigial remains of the image of God."

Then we think of the Father's love for His Son. The Bible is full of it. It is our guarantee in Heaven at the present moment. We are saved to the uttermost because the Son is there pleading in our behalf. Wesley has written:

The Father hears Him pray
The dear anointed One.
He cannot turn away
The presence of His Son . . .

Here, then, is our assurance. It is Christ in the presence of the Father. Look on the face of Thy Son, O God, and tell me what Thou dost think of Him! And the Father looks, and the answer comes: "I think so much of Him that I sweep Him into My love, and with Him all those 'many sons' whom He brings with Him."

1. What enables the Father to look at sinful humanity and still desire to adorn us with love, mercy and grace? Do we have anything to do with it?
2. Why is our assurance found in Christ being in the presence of the Father? How does this change our helpless state?
3. What is Christ doing on our behalf now that the Father calls us heirs with Christ?