To The One I’ve Never Seen

1 Peter 1:8-9

Though I’ve Never Seen You, Jesus, I Love You

            This morning I am reading through 1 Peter. I’ve begun a new series of listening through the Old Testament whenever I am (a) driving to work or running errands and (b) while putting my Son to sleep (which can last 20-30 minutes). Now that I am back to work after a period of paternal absence since his birth, I am spending the time prior to the start of my workday in the New Testament. In this way, I will get through both Testaments in due time. Reading devotionally is a lot of fun for me, and the book Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney has tremendously impacted my approach to the Scriptures. All that to say, this morning before work I was making my way through the first few verses of First Peter and was deeply struck by verses 8 and 9: 

         ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ^[1]

What a glorious statement by Peter. As I was reading it dawned on me in the early morning glow of the day that the love I have for my savior is unlike any other love I will ever know. It is completely transcendent of any kind of physical affection. Indeed, I have never seen Christ. I’ve never heard his voice. I never saw him perform a miracle or healing. Not once have I watched him pour out compassion and breathe life into those who were deemed unworthy of God’s love. All these things I have never seen—and yet, daily I rejoice with great Joy that this same Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son of God, the creator and sustainer of the universe, the savior of my soul, knows and loves me. Inexpressible, yes. Though I may try, my words fail me and I am eclipsed so often by the filth of my own life—with Isaiah I decry my sin, I am a man of unclean lips as well (Isaiah 6:5). Yet, this inexpressible joy of being known by the one I have never seen is unsurpassed when I ponder the glory of Christ who died for me while I was yet a sinner (Romans 5:8). 

            Yes, I believe in Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen. Glory be to Him for his power and love are enough to keep my faith secure. This salvation that I have inherited through the adoption into Christ is not simply something I look forward to the day I enter heaven, my eternal rest. No, this salvation is the complete restoration of my being in this present day and age. When I look back on my former life, my old self, separated from the love of God and knowledge of Christ, I am woefully distraught. My condition was hopeless and my pride so haughty I was at home with the builders of Babel. Then Christ, the Savior who I have never met, spoke to me through his Word. The inspired word, committed to writing by the Apostles to make all who read with an earnest heart capable of coming to Jesus in faith for the restoration and salvation of their souls, and their very lives. Thanks be to God. 

            So, this morning as I wrap up my reading and prepare for a day of work ahead of me, I rejoice with Peter in the one who I have never seen and eagerly await that glorious day when I will see him face to face. 

Father, thank you for the life that you have given me and the joy that permeates it by way of knowing Christ. May I not take this for granted in my days, but rather may I rejoice with gladness and humility that you laid down your life for me—a sinner. You took on death in order that you could grant life to me and all who believe and trust in you. You overcame the power of death and displayed your power and glory. May I be ever conformed to the image of Christ, renewed in my mind and heart for your glorious purpose. Amen. 

---

^[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2016. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.