We are told that the revelation of God's glory is to be found in the Face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6), and that one day we shall know that Face in its fullness, just as we are also known (1 Cor. 13:12). I believe there is a fullness, a complete revelation, of the Face of Christ that the Church is yet to enter into. For we have known Him in many aspects, according to the need of the hour, yet have not always recognised Him when He has come to us in an unfamiliar way.

It took a personal crisis for Martha, who already knew Jesus as Teacher and Master, to recognise in Him the Face of the Son of God (John 11:1-27). Andrew recognised Jesus as the Messiah, (John 1:41), and Nathaniel wasted no time in announcing that he had found the Son of God and King of Israel! However, sometime later in His relationship with the twelve, Jesus had to introduce Himself as Friend (John 15:14-15), an aspect of His nature, (or Face), they had not previously perceived. The ten lepers saw in Jesus the Face of a Healer (Luke 17:12 -13), and the men of Sychar beheld the Face of the Saviour of the World (John 4:42). The tax collectors and sinners knew His Face was that of a Friend (Luke 7:34).

Both Simeon and Anna had waited long years to see the Face of the Redeemer, and knew Him instantly, even in an infant's body (Luke 2:25-38). Yet Simon the Pharisee, who respected Jesus as a great Teacher, did not realise he was in the presence of the Anointed One of Israel. ( Luke 7:36-50).

So it is that the heart of the servant will be familiar with the Face of the Master. To the warrior heart, such as Joshua's, He will become known and recognised as Commander of the Lord's Army (Joshua 5:14, Rev. 19:19:11-16). Those needing shelter and care search for and know the Face of the Great Shepherd (John 10:14). And to His enemies, the Face of Jesus Christ is an awesomely terrifying revelation (1 Peter 3:12, Rev. 6:16).

In His wisdom, the Holy Spirit has chosen to reserve one aspect of Jesus' Face especially for the church of the Last Days. To us has been given the great privilege of beholding the beautiful Face of the Bridegroom, and those who seek to know that Face will also know a joy inexpressible which will sustain, refresh and strengthen them even as the world itself grows darker.

Have you seen the Face of the Bridegroom yet? Have you been consumed by the fire of His passion for His Bride, and allowed His searching Eyes of love to burn through every layer of your soul? Have you trembled in awe as you felt His breath upon your face and heard the sweet whispers of His wooing Voice in your ears? Have you yet come face to face with the Bridegroom and found yourself so captivated by His beauty that you are unable to look away?

For once having recognised the Bridegroom you will not be the same as you were before. You will find yourself daydreaming as your thoughts turn continually toward Him. Your heart will skip a beat when His Name is mentioned. And you will abandon any other priority that keeps you one minute longer from that private time alone with Him. The precious moments spent in intimacy with the Bridegroom of your soul will become your lifeline, and your heart will yearn continually for the next encounter with Him. You will hang on every Word that proceeds from His lips and most of all, you will not be ashamed of your deep passion for Him. Others who have not known Him in this way will not understand, will even be embarrassed by your unabashed "love affair", but you will not care. Your heart will be forever captured, and your faithfulness and betrothal to Him will become increasingly obvious, both to the church and the world.

If this description of an intimate relationship with Jesus causes you discomfort, could it be because you have not yet beheld The Bridegroom? The great Friend of the Bridegroom, the Holy Spirit, even now searches for those who would seek to know Jesus as more than Friend, more than Saviour, more than Teacher, desiring to reveal Him to His Bride. Let us redeem the time, for the days are evil. The Wedding of the Lamb grows closer, it will not be held back, and the first priority of the Bride is to make herself ready (Rev. 19:7)

This is the hour of the Bridegroom - don't miss it! Don't permit the cares and responsibilities of life to keep you from the Bridegroom. Stop, seek His Face, fall in love with Him. For He loves you, rejoices over you, and longs for a Bride who is lovesick for Him .

Cheryl McGrath

Great South Land Ministries

http://www.greatsouthland.org

southland@greatsouthland.org