Beholding His Face

Airports tend to produce a variety of emotions in people.

We find some people sad at saying goodbye to their loved ones.

In contrast, we also observe people excitedly welcoming those they have been waiting for. Between departing and returning home, people communicate with devices and remember special memories by looking at pictures.

Jesus’ first disciples contemplated with sadness His ascent to heaven (Acts 1:6–11). Having never seen His face, artists have portrayed Him in many different ways, according to their own imaginations. Of the paintings you have seen, which do you believe best portrays His coming? British artist John Sartain (1808–1897) was born in London on October 24, 1808. When he was twenty-two years old, Sartain immigrated to the United States, where he pioneered mezzotint engraving.

His famous engraving Our Saviour (1865) was identified by Ellen White as the portrayal of Jesus that most resembled Him as she saw Him in vision.

But the day will come when we will no longer need to imagine what the face of Jesus looks like, for we will see Him face-to-face.

In 1 John 3:2, 3, we are told that “when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” What an amazing privilege and blessed assurance for those who keep their eyes on Jesus now! (Hebrews 12:2).

Then our best portrayals of Jesus will lose their meaning, for we will see Him face-to-face. And even more, Jesus Himself promised us that we would see God the Father (Matthew 5:8)! Ellen White declared, “And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father?” By God’s grace, may you and I also be among those who will see both Jesus and God the Father face-to-face.

Please, do not allow anything or anyone to distract you from this most glorious purpose.