“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” (I Corinthians 13:12).

“One day at a time” is an expression older folks cling to as they get to know life a little better. Jesus had this thought in mind when He gave the exhortation: “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34).

Scientists often observe a limited phenomenon and immediately fabricate grand conclusions and applications, as a prophet would tell the future. “You’re something special” if you guess right about the unknown. But this has led to a whole lot of pure storytelling—much of which, like evolution, is harmful to the hearer.

Our verse reveals this state of affairs. We are on a journey through life, and each step gives us a new view of the next step. We “see” (i.e., look at or behold) the view through a glass which could not be seen without it. And what we see is blurred or obscured. As a result, our minds fill in the details until the next image appears.

At some point the image becomes clear and we recognize the picture. This implies that we unconsciously knew all along what it was we would see when we finally saw it. Our spirit would bear testimony with His Spirit. Face to face we recognize each other. The use of the word “know,” and then its intensive form, is explanatory. First, as I know (perceive) in part, then “shall I know (fully recognize) even as also I am known (fully recognized by Him).”

Clear vision comes when the time and circumstances are right. We know that it is clear because we completely recognize the object of our attention. “And they shall see His face” (Revelation 22:4). KBC