Editor’s Preface

In Jesus we have been given the clearest vision of God: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”* (John 14:9) By the help by the Spirit the author has looked upon that Face through the window of the Word, and invites us to do the same. In this sketch we find inspiration and exhortation to cooperate with God’s purpose that we may “be conformed to the image of his Son”* (Romans 8:29) by beholding His glorious face (2 Corinthians 3:18).

And yet it is but a sketch, and we should not expect to find a complete picture of Christ in this brief book. Knowing God in the fullness of His character brings us face to face with both His “goodness and severity,”* (Romans 11:22) both His mercy and His justice. If we reject either aspect, we reject that much of our very Creator. And yet there is a time and season for everything: here, the author’s focus is simply on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in the heart until the goodness of God may be clearly seen in our countenance.

The story is told of a few prospectors who had cast in their lot to seek for treasure together during a gold rush. After several unsuccessful attempts in various fields, they at last discovered the prized nuggets in a remote valley stream. However, by this point their supplies were running low, and it was obvious that someone would need to return to the nearest settlement to get more. After some discussion about how best to protect their find from being noised abroad, the small band agreed to go all together and hold each other to absolute secrecy about their great discovery.

They managed to accomplish the trip without any of them saying a word about their secret. But, behold, they had scarcely returned to camp when other prospectors from all over the region started appearing on the scene. How had the news gotten out? While the band was in town, their countenances had revealed the treasure.

Christian, is it so with you?