They Shall See His Face

They shall see his face.

Revelation 22:1-5 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

We read of those who will see his face - the saints, the redeemed people of God, and of Him whom they will see – our Saviour. This is a vision of our permanent dwelling – it is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. John saw a pure river of Water of Life – there is an absence of sin and its effect. There is a river of unending streams, of abundant blessings and joy from our Lord. Also, we see the Tree of Life, and it brings forth fruits. And all the redeemed are welcome to enjoy the fruits of this tree - the joy and sweetness of eternal life. The leaves tell of the healing of the nations - there will be no sickness, no more curse. There is, in the midst of it all, is the throne of God – and he is reigning supreme and unrivalled. And we will serve him and worship him. He is the chief of blessings in heaven.

This the joy of all Christians - to see, and behold, and commune with Jesus our Saviour. The saints of God have this joyful anticipation.

Notice, the exclusivity of this vision - it was they that will see the face of God - it's not for everyone to see the face of our Lord. It is an exclusive event – only for those who belong to the Kingdom. Admission to this royal event is by invitation only. Only those who have trusted in God will be a citizen of Heaven. Some will not see the gracious countenance of our Lord, but will only see the face of God in judgment, as subjects of his wrath. For the meantime, our Lord graciously invites you. The door of God's mercy is yet wide open. Will you respond to the invitation from the King? Would you respond in faith and trust him now?

Notice, also, the certainty of this vision - they SHALL see. It is sure. It is certain. We know that when he shall appear we shall be like him. For some, the love for this world turns their face away from this glorious vision. Sin, like a cataract, blinds them. Thank God, the great Physician of our soul has opened many eyes.

There’s also the gaiety – the joyfulness here, of this wonderful vision. Every one who believes will be gathered together with the saints, from all across time, from all over the world. What a joyful gathering - to be with the Lord. Our Lord God will bring redemptive history to a close. The saints are anticipating this great event - as if seated in a theatre, as the curtain opens for the final act. We eagerly wait, anticipating to see the face of God. What joy and comfort and longing for all Christians to be with their Lord! To be at home with the Lord. This joy is forever – a communion and fellowship that is unceasing and sweet. Some of us may be going through many trials, but be encouraged, one day it will cease. We shall see his face. One day we will wake up in the arms of God. When we all see Jesus - what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Notice, also, the one whom they will see - our Saviour. It will be such a sight – of glorious beauty. It will mesmerise us. We will see our King, reigning in glory - infinitely majestic – outshining all the wonders of this world. We expect to see the face of the one who has showered us with such infinite blessings, and showed us his mercies and goodness. It captivates our hearts that our Lord has loved us so. How marvelous, how wonderful!

It is a sight of pure holiness that will not consume us. Moses asked one day, Lord, show me your Glory. He was told, thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see me and live. Yet there is coming a day when you, his saints, shall see his face. Our Lord says, blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

It will be a sight - to see his face - that admits us into an unending communion. To think, that he will be with us! We will enjoy an unending communion with our Lord, with no more threats of separation away from him. Nothing will sever our communion with him. It will be a sweet fellowship, forever.

May our gaze be upon him. Look unto our Lord, the author and perfecter of our faith.

The joy of all Christians is surely to see, and behold, and commune with him - Jesus, our Saviour.