Satisfaction in Christlikeness

Satisfaction in Christlikeness

As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

Psalm 17:15

The Christian life is one of holy dissatisfaction with self. If we look at ourselves very closely and honestly, we must declare, regarding our sanctification, that there remains yet very much ‘land to be possessed.’ Some self-examination is useful. Too much of it is frankly unhealthy, because it concentrates on the wrong person. An unhealthy ‘self-confrontational’ habit completely subverts the Scriptural practice of ‘looking unto Jesus.’ The Psalmist here is certainly aware of his own weaknesses and failures although he does not dwell upon them. It is one thing to acknowledge our failures and  faults, and to confess our sins. It is quite another to dwell upon them, without ever really looking to Christ.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David here lifts up his eyes to the end of the things. He says, ‘I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.’ The end of sanctification is likeness to Christ. That is real soul-satisfaction for the Child of God. Christ, by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, is ‘renewing us in the whole person after the image of Christ.’ We are now the sons of God, but ‘when we shall see Him, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.’ This is a most exciting prospect. What a glorious prospect faces us; to be not just with Christ, but also like Christ. Take stock of yourself, Child of God, but look quickly to Christ. You will only ever be fully satisfied after He makes you like Himself. It’s coming.

Precious Christ and Victorious Savior,
We look to you in our weakness,
and anticipate the sanctifying work
that You will do to make us like You.

Where the Bush is Burning
Tomm Tice