Till We Have Faces

Love, Part III

"Love never fails. But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears...Now we see but a poor reflection, as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:8-10, 12-13

I like to think that I'm not unintelligent. I have a pretty good idea of how things work and I don't much like to research things because I'm pretty certain that what I know is enough to form an opinion or even make a decision about something. I know those research/study-er types out there are about to come hunt me down, so bear with me! What I mean is, I am learning that either way, we fall short. No matter how much I know or think I know or research and learn...beyond all scope of human knowledge...I know only 'in part'.

I am re-reading one of my favorite books, 'Till We Have Faces' by C.S. Lewis. Love that book...a re-telling of the ancient myth of Psyche and Cupid. Sad and dark, but ultimately a story of redemption...why I love C.S. Lewis so much. He so well articulates the human condition and then always turns our eyes upwards to Jesus, even through his indirect fictitious approach. This book he began in his young years as an atheist, prior to becoming a Christian and he didn't finish it until just before he died, it being his last completed work. The book begins with Queen Orual's (sister of Psyche) accusation to 'the gods' and it leads into her story, her case against the gods. I won't spoil it, but ultimately in her final judgement by the gods, her questions fall away as she sees the very Answer itself, Jesus, looking at her face to face.

I have questioned many things in my life. I don't know anyone who hasn't. I have been confused, let down and even angry at God. The more I live and the more I know of God, the more bits and pieces of His good character and love are revealed to me. But one thing I do know. If I fully understood the mighty God who made the heavens and earth and simultaneously created me, knowing the depths of my inmost being (Psalm 139) - what kind of God would he be? If I understood what it took for Him to send His one and only son to earth to take upon him the sins of all mankind in a grueling death, and resurrect three days later - what kind of God would he be? If I understood this Love that transcends all human knowledge or ability to replicate - what kind of God would he be?

"When the time comes to you at which you will be forced at last to utter the speech which has lain at the center of your soul for years, which you have, all that time, idiot-like, been saying over and over, you'll not talk about the joy of words. I saw well why the gods do not speak to us openly, nor let us answer. Till that word can be dug out of us, why would they hear the babble that we think we mean? How can they meet us face to face till we have faces?
I know now, Lord, why you utter no answer. You are yourself the answer. Before your face questions die away. What other answer would suffice? Only words, words; to be led out to battle against other words. " Till We Have Faces ~C.S. Lewis

Now, in my imperfection, I see but a poor reflection, understanding only in part. But when I see Him face to face, I am certain that He himself will be my answer!

Until then, I do know that of faith, hope and love - the greatest is love. And this great Love never fails me. Love itself, who came to earth in the form of a man, who died to save me, to have relationship with me...that is a Love that I have faith I will fully understand someday. In the meantime, may we have glimpses of it, beyond what our own wisdom will reveal. And if my suspicions are right, the 'grandeur' of this divine love, may in fact, be found in the lowly, the humble, the broken, the sacrifices.


If you have more thoughts about Love or thoughts about my thoughts...I'd love to hear them! Lord knows I don't know anything...just a girl wanting to be loved and to love in return.