August 16

Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. — 1 John 3:2 BSB

Thoburn tells a touching story about a photograph of his deceased child. The picture was very blurry, so much so that the beloved features were barely discernible. He took the photo to a photographer, asking if anything could be done to improve it. After three weeks, he returned, and the transformation was startling. It seemed as if his child had come back to life. The image had always been there, but it had been concealed beneath blurs and mists. The photographer had brought out the features in strong, living beauty.

In every true disciple of Christ, there is the image of the Master. It may be very dim, overlaid with imperfections and blemishes, almost unrecognizable to human eyes. But Christ’s work in our lives is to gradually bring out His likeness more clearly, until it shines in undimmed beauty. This is what Christ is doing through many of the experiences He allows us to go through.