some thoughts

Sir, we would see Jesus. (John 12:21, KJV).

Is it wrong to be unsatisfied with the picture of Christ shown to us in the Bible?

That depends, I think, on what we mean by unsatisfied. If we mean “uninterested, in such a way that we look elsewhere for satisfaction,” then yes. Or, if we mean “unconvinced, in such a way that we need to walk by sight before we’ll believe,” then yes. But if we mean “greatly appetized for more, in such a way that we long for the glorious appearing of Christ–for the time when we no longer see him as in a glass, darkly, but when we see him as he is: face to face” then no.

David wanted to see Christ with his own eyes (Psalm 42, 101). Paul wanted to see Christ with his own eyes (Philippians 3). The Apostle John wanted to see Christ with his own eyes (Revelation 22). And so did Thomas (John 20).

It might be good for us, every now and then, to ask ourselves exactly why we want to see Jesus. Is it to quell our lingering doubts that all this “Bible stuff” is really real? Is it so that, finally seeing him with our own eyes, only then we can go “all in” on the gospel of Christ–so that only then we can declare that he is truly Lord over all, and devote our entire being unto him alone?

Or–like a bride who knows that her groom awaits her, who knows her beloved, who knows that he keeps is promises, who knows that he stands outside the chamber door eagerly waiting to finally welcome her into that eternal embrace–is it because we simply cannot wait to have all obstacles cleared out of our way, so that the new life in and with him will finally begin, so that the next age will finally dawn in the consummated Kingdom of God, where we will be with him where he is finally and forever?

There are two kinds of wanting to see Jesus–do you long like David, or do you long like Thomas? What kind of wanting do you live?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11-15, ESV)

Just a thought.