[Pastor Ralph]

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

[Eudora]

Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind?

1 John 3:2 (KJV)
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.

The believers life is to become more and more like Him as we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Romans 8:29 (KJV)
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

We will be conformed to His image,. This for us will be the completeness of it all. Everything we will need to know will become perfect in clarity. This should be a motive , knowing our ultimate destiny, that we should purify ourselves. We can not! Only He can. How awesome is that? However, by His power we can keep ourselves from sinful places, and remain morally clean.

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

It will be like looking in a mirror. As perfections comes, we will see reality face to face and we will fully know and understand, who we are.

There are areas of temptation that we know of and habits that appear hard to conquer but we are more than conquers through Him that loves us. We can practice this now.

A sin for me, ... is judging folks. Judge not lest you be judged. For how we judge, so shall it be measured back to us. Here is what I do. Every time, I see something wrong in someone, I automatically throw up a pretend mirror and see if that is a reflection of me. If so, I ask God to clean up that image and I walk on in faith. Our lives should be a reflection of Jesus as we walk about this earth. I pray that the person whom I thought I saw the wrong in, that God will reflect His light on their path and show them a mirror image of themselves and bring them peace, according to His judgment. When I think about the Throne Room in chapter 4 of Revelations, I think of that shiny sea of glass that sparkles like crystal as the window of heaven so that Jesus can see us all the time, but from our view, I think of that as a great big mirror, shining down upon us, His image coming through.

His character will be upon us? By His authority, we shall be marked as His children. His property! Some scriptures say in and some scriptures say on. In, on, really makes no difference. Seeing Him? “Awe, now that’s completion” But who shall come up into His holy place? They who keep his commandments, verse 14. This is a reason to keep up the good fight for we are fighting for our right, to the Tree of Life. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Funny, this is a be attitude! This is how our attitude should be.....

Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

Because this is the foundation that strengthens our faith. This is the hope that keeps us focused and keeps our attitude upright all because of His love as we do this in remembrance of Him. When faith and hope are in line, we are free to love and this freedom comes from Him, who bought and paid for our freedom. Love is the action which brings it all back into full circle. We love, because He first loved us, this is our faith and our hope and someday we will see our love, faith and hope swing into full action as we meet with Him face to face.

[Jezemeg]

When I mediate on 'seeing His face' I tend to focus on Jesus' Grace, His all-encompassing Love, His Generosity and the way He cared deeply about everyone who came His way, reaching out to those that were hesitant and drawing them into His presence. It is important now for partakers of the Lord's Supper to do this because we are remembering Jesus, by breaking bread and sharing the Cup, that is what He asked us to do for Him until the time came when He would return and establish His kingdom in all its Glory on this earth.

[Blessed Me]

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind?
Love, Joy, Peace, Remarkable, Awesome, Astonishing, Worthy, Holy, Reverence, Lover of my Soul, Bridegroom, Savior, Redeemer, Delight, Deliverer.

Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?
As I drink of the cup, I am testifying that someday I will see Him "face to face."
It is because of Him - I am able to someday look into the face of the one who made it possible, to look into the face of the one who clothed me in His rightouesness, so I may come before the Father. That is - once I get up from being prostrate before Him, once I have stopped dancing before Him, once I have stopped singing praise and glory to Him. How "AWESOME" is He who came to save the world, who has prepared this wonderful table for us to go to! How "AWESOME" is this Manna, this Love, sent from God to us. "AWESOME is He"

[Lion of Grace]

I was delighted, Eudora, with your answer!
I have a real mirror in my room that can be turned and I have often had that used to show me a reflection that will bring my attention to how I look or how I see others. For instance, if I have judged someone harshly, I go to my room to pray and I may see for that moment a reflection in that mirror of the fabric heart hanging on my door that has frayed edges and I'm reminded the person I judged so harshly is a remnant, tattered and torn just like we all are. One day I will see lights and be reminded to help light a path for another and other days I just saw myself! I was reminded on those days to get the focus off of me and on to other things! The other day I tried to judge myself too harshly and I couldn't even see a reflection, I just saw light and I was reminded of some good things I did that day and to not be discouraged but to keep doing good.
I too have learned from this to examine myself and renew my own mind before I think so highly of anything to think I can stand in judgement of another person's life.
I like how you do that in every situation. I don't seek signs like what happens in the mirror, God just teaches me with " visual aids" sometimes, but it is a good thing to renew our minds to reflect on those things every time we are tempted with judging or becoming self absorbed, or we are insensitive to others needs etc.
I think of seeing Jesus's face and liken that with seeing that mirror image. We will have all become like Him and since that is a cry of my heart, it will be pure bliss to know it finally happened! After all the falls and failures and the agony of defeats and the heartbreak of knowing I failed HIM.....to see that glory...well....I'm not usually at a loss for words....but I am now! I know when I pray and I'm in His presence...it is awesome....how could we possibly even try to understand how heaven will be in His real presence?

[JustJeff]

Meditating on seeing Jesus' face causes me to see love. True love. No hidden thoughts or meanings. No considerations. No conditions. Just plain love and with that, the time to love even as I am loved.
At the Lord's Supper I refelect that this is what it's all about isn't it? A God who would die for me in such a painful and terrible way because..., He first loved me. Each time I take this communion the thoughts become deeper, stronger and much more significant.

[Helenmm]

When I see the Lord's face my sins will be removed so far from me that even the memories will be gone! I shall be made pure and able to look upon Him whom I adore. Every dream I ever had will be totally fulfilled in that moment, and love will loom large between us. I shall know Him as He now knows me, and that will be magnificent, yet there will always be something new to learn about Him because He is always new!

The Lord's supper points us toward our future at the wedding feast with Him in Heaven, so we are always excited by the prospect of living with Him - seeing His face. Not only at communion are we so excited, but at everymoment that we are awake, because the promise is to those who acknowledge Him before men, and we love doing that.

[Blessed Me]

Helenmm, on Jul 5 2006, 11:40 AM, said:

When I see the Lord's face my sins will be removed so far from me that even the memories will be gone! I shall be made pure and able to look upon Him whom I adore. Every dream I ever had will be totally fulfilled in that moment, and love will loom large between us. I shall know Him as He now knows me, and that will be magnificent, yet there will always be something new to learn about Him because He is always new!

The Lord's supper points us toward our future at the wedding feast with Him in Heaven, so we are always excited by the prospect of living with Him - seeing His face. Not only at communion are we so excited, but at everymoment that we are awake, because the promise is to those who acknowledge Him before men, and we love doing that.

I SAY "AMEN" TO WHAT YOU SAID SO CLEARLY. HE SHOULD BE BEFORE US EACH MOMENT OF THE DAY :-) DARLENE

[masika]

I have no words to express myself how I feel when I will see Him face to face . It is a day I am longing in my life , that is why I have to keep myself clean from all evil things by studying His word and with the help of the Holy Spirit I believe I will make it.
The lord's supper stimulate me to remain Holy not sin against my Lord Jesus Christ, When I long for that day .

[Lisa Rupert]

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

When I meditate on "seeing his face" the thoughts that come to my mind are those of ultimate peace. Divine beauty, clean and pure. I shall feel as one feels when the sun rays touch your skin, the warmth it brings, when the fresh rain falls upon your face how refreshing it makes you feel. It will feel like the snowflakes that touch your body and the chilling feeling that it brings. It will feel like all GOOD and all PURE and all HOLY. It will feel like more than I can even imagine to express because I am a mere human and my mind can not conceive the beauty of God. But I know it will be an experience that I look forward to and one that I anxiousily await.
The Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts in me because it is a REMINDER of the promises of God.
Thank you Eunora because I too needed a way to stop judging. What you wrote really inspired me to try it out it seems like a good remedy for the problem. Thanks again.

[heavenlymann]

When I meditate on seeing His face it's too wonderful to fully comprehend. But all the beauty the Scriptures ascribe to the Lord will be beheld by all of us on that day of days. If these thoughts really permeated the congregation when we partake at the Lord's Table I think the hush that occurs would truly be the awe of His magnificent prescence.

[haar]

The truth is that I am not used to meditating in the way that allows me to picture the Lord Jesus' face. I really want to learn to do it.

I therefore request for your prayers to enable me to be able to do so. If there are also some practical suggestions, I will appreciate receiving such.

[carroll]

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

There are times that amidst the evil and wickedness in this world, that someone or some “body” sets about to do acts of love and kindness to those in need that it lends itself to the hope that all is not lost, and serves as a reminder that God’s spirit is still at work in the world. This type of outreach is truly touching. Consider therefore that cruel man is sometimes capable of good works. What then can be said of God who is good beyond measure? When I meditate on seeing God’s face I envisage purity of love, mercifulness, holiness, forgiver, redeemer, friend, patient understanding, giver of joy, trustworthiness, limitless power, goodness beyond measure.

The Lord’s Supper stimulates these thoughts because it commemorates a God who is not quick to condemn, but gives opportunity to the sinner to be redeemed by faith in him, and to be ultimately rewarded eternally by feasting at the Great Banquet and to be rewarded by being in God’s company and be given the privilege of seeing his face.

[charity]

The thoughts that come to mind when I think about seeing the face of the Lord are similar thoughts of seeing the faces of other friends. I immediately think about the last time I looked at them and what impression did I leave them with and they leave with me. Was there pleasure in our last meeting? Were there happy memories of making each other smile? Did we share an intimate time that deepened our commitment to each other? Or did I leave important things unsaid? Had I become too comfortable in our relationship to say, “I’m sorry”? Did I walk away without really hearing what my friend wanted to say? Did I just “blow off” any sense of regret? Was I so taken with the moment that I forgot to appreciate all the other times, good and bad, that we had shared?

I think the Lord’s Supper, now more than ever, will bring to mind these thoughts because I see the intimacy in the person of Christ rather than a ritual. It is a time when I imagine the suffering He chose to endure for me and the etchings of pain on his body. It is a time when I see in His face a commitment for me that transcends all of my understanding. It is a time when I see the gentle leading in His eyes that says, “Come. Follow me.” It is a time when I see in His face patience and encouragement that says, “My rod and my staff comfort you”. It is the time when I see a face set like flint and eyes like fire that says, “This is my victory for you. Nothing shall separate you from my love”. It is the time when I see in His face the fullness of the glory of the Father’s heart and the resounding words, “For I so loved the world and you are forgiven”.

[charisbarak]

Meditating on "seeing His face" moves me to wonder. I think of His kind face, kindly eyes, pure love flowing from Him, evoking thankfulness to Him and not shame. I think of the pure joy of being with Him & praising Him with others.

The Lord's supper should provoke & stimulate these thoughts as we partake to give Him all the glory, to keep our excitement high & to be ever watching for His return!! PTL!

[PCHRIS]

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

His unconditional and perfect love for me.

Christ suffered and died for me, who is a sinner and didn't deserve this gift but He loves me so much He was willing to do this for me; bore all my sins and washed away with His blood.

[linda bass]

When you meditate on "seeing His face", what thoughts come to mind?
To be honest, this is something I don't do as often as I should.

Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?
The Lord's Supper points to the day when we will see the Lord Jesus face to face at the Great Banquet.

[steve.c]

Pastor Ralph, on Jun 17 2006, 04:41 PM, said:

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

I suppose as I meditate on "seeing His face" on His return, I have a feeling of longing that His return will come soon. I think all Christians long for this and have hoped it would come in their life times so that they can experience rapture without death. Then I think of what a meeting would be like. I think that Jesus' face would radiate incredible, unfathomable love. Something of an order that is not conceivable here. It would simply sweep me up and envelope me. All the fruits of the Holy Spirit would be similarly experienced and magnified. His face would not take on His human form. It would be spirit but it would be unimaginably beautiful.

We partake of the Lord's Supper as it commemorates the death of Jesus and His atoning sacrifice. It brings us closer to Him and sustains our faith and discipleship. But it is also a prelude to a greater feast: the one we will have with Him on His return. His ministry, His death and resurrection, leads to its final, glorious conclusion when we are all together with Him on His Second Coming. The purpose of His ministry is our salvation when we will see His face. In partaking we look forward to that promise and hope.

[sahala p.s.]

Pastor Ralph, on Jun 17 2006, 10:41 PM, said:

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on "seeing his face," what thoughts come to mind? Why should the Lord's Supper stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it?

When I meditate on “seeing his face”, thoughts of great joy, happiness, and glory from God that I have never experienced before while in this transitory world, come to mind.

The Lord’s Supper should stimulate these thoughts every time we partake of it, because by that I will be reminded to prepare myself to be eligible enter those experiences. My attention is too often attracted only to business of this world so that I forget of my objective and priority of my life in God.

[Don W]

When I meditate on seeing the face of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, I somehow seem to be able to forget the things of the world and the problems that I am facing, and start to think about the Lord Himself for all that He did for me in the past, what He’s doing for me today, and what He will do in the future when He takes me home to be with Him forever and ever in His glorious presence. I sometimes am worshiping Him in singing to Him some songs of worship and praise, participating in the Lord’s Supper at church, or listening to the pastor as he teaches the Word of God to us when this happens—when my thoughts get on seeing His face and meditating on these things. I wish many times that I wasn’t so easily distracted from these wonderful times but maybe they will get more and easier to happen to me as I spend more and more time with the Lord, gazing into His face—the merciful and loving face of my Savior. Amen!