1 Corinthians 13:12 states: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." Corinth was famous for its polished metal mirrors, but they did not reflect an image very well.
The NIV uses the word "poor" to translate the interesting Greek word, aı́nigma (αἴνιγμα), from which we get the English word, "enigma."
It is only found twice in the Greek Bible: Here and where God confronted Aaron and Miriam about the uniqueness of Moses: "With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles (aı́nigma, αἴνιγμα)" (Numbers 12:8).
In light of Numbers 12:8, what 1 Corinthians 13:12 affirms is that only at the Lord's return will we see him face to face and no longer live with the sense that the future is an enigma. This is affirmed in 1 John 3:2.
In the present, enigmatic world, believers must trust the Lord that he is working everything to make us more and more like the Lord Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). When our goal is to be fully like him (2 Corinthians 3:17-18), we can be cheerful and regard our troubles as "light and momentary" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Proverbs 4:18 expresses the same thought.
But Proverbs 4:19 speaks about deep darkness and the wicked not knowing what makes them stumble.
What does 2023 hold for the wicked? "On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26) That was fulfilled in A.D. 70, but terrifying events are still ahead. As lost people experience the coming destruction they will "Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
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After serving Grace Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, Bob was honorably retired on Sunday, September 27, 2015, and given the title "Pastor Emeritus." This was forty years to the day after he became their pastor.
He now works for the Presbytery of the Gulf South as...
