868.
THE "OBSCURE EXPRESSION".
"We are looking for right now through mirror in
obscure expression, then but face toward face; right now
I am knowing out of part, then but I shall know accurately according as also
I was accurately known."
(1 Cor 13:12 Greek T.)
"At present we only see the baffling reflections in a mirror, but then it will be
face to face; at present I am learning bit by bit, but then I shall understand, as all along I have myself been
understood." (1 Cor 13:12 Moffatt).
PAUL PURSUED THE "OBSCURE EXPRESSION," LOVE. HOW?
It was not just The Christ's teachings that Paul said we are "looking for"
(Greek T.) and that will finally be "understood" (Moffatt), or
"accurately known" (NWT). For in this same letter to the
Corinthian congregation, and with reference to the headship arrangement of God,
he reproved them for their shameful conduct, their misuse of spiritual gifts,
and issued them with necessary countermeasures. No, what Paul was referring to
was that ultimately, through The Christ's subjecting of him, he would come to
know perfect love. Fully realizing "face to face" all the parts of
love, he would then know how to express what is still for us an "obscure expression". Then, as a heavenly
"new creation" he could be employed
by The Christ in the subjection to God of those still on earth (just as Christ
was able to subject Paul because he accurately knew Paul's weaknesses).
(Gal 6:15). In this way the scripture is fulfilled: "then but I
shall know accurately according as also I was accurately known."
(1 Cor 13:12 Greek T.)
But before one can truly show love to another, knowledge of
that person and their weaknesses is required. Further, one who has knowledge of
all the parts of the love of God is truly subject to Him, and so would
understand how best to use this knowledge to best effect. For this reason we are
told to "pursue love", which means to acquire accurate knowledge
of the love of God, and to offer the appropriate part willingly for others. But
not unwisely, as love does not "rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices
with the truth." (1 Cor 14:1) (1 Cor 13:6). By blinding Paul to bring him to
his senses, Christ showed love to him, opening the way for him to gain
everlasting life. Christ adopted this means to gain Paul's attention, for him to
listen and be taught.
(Acts 9:1 22).
LOVE "DOES NOT KEEP
ACCOUNT OF THE INJURY".
("Reckoning". 1 Cor 13:5 Greek T.)
By persecuting his disciples, Paul was once a persecutor of Christ. Of
Paul it was said: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many
injurious things he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13,4).
But it was Paul that Christ used to bear his name to nations, kings, and to the
sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15). Christ did not keep account of the injurious
acts of Paul. Why? Because although at the time Paul did not know who he was
persecuting, Christ had knowledge of Paul's nature, and how Paul would have to
suffer for Christ's name. (Acts 9:16). Christ also had accurate knowledge
of Judas; that Judas did know what he was doing, and an account of
it has been kept. Jehovah Himself keeps account of certain injuries, and
conducts a legal case for His people against wilful enemies, especially against
those who prefer to have knowledge of, and act upon, the "deep things of
satan". (Rev 2:24) (Micah 7:8 10).
Judas Iscariot and Ananias sinned in word and deed against
the Holy Spirit of God.
(Acts 5:1 11). "...whoever speaks a word against
the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy
Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in
that to come." (From Matt 12:31,32) (Heb 10:26,27. 1 John 3:8).
In summary: You cannot show true love to another
unless first you have knowledge of that one's weaknesses and spiritual need.
When we accurately know all the parts of perfect spiritual love "face to
face", it will no longer be an "obscure expression". Those
preferring to practice the "deep things of satan" will come face
to face with shame. (Isaiah 66:5). Only when that which is complete,
perfect love, is accurately known by all members of the "body" of Christ and
implemented, will partial knowledge of "The Way" previously
made known through gifts of the Spirit such as prophesying, speaking in
tongues, and even knowledge itself, cease. (1 Cor 13:8 10). For
that which is partial will be done away with, for we will have all the requisite
parts of perfect love. As a discerner of inspired utterances, I leave you this
directive, correcting a past erroneous teaching of the sect of JWs. (1 Cor 12:10).
My love to all the brothers of The Christ and to those of the
"other sheep" calling upon his name.
25/3/80.
|