The Greek myth about Narcissus illustrates what was probably the earliest kind of a mirror: a reflection in a pool of water. The first physical mirrors were likely polished stones like obsidian, gradually evolving into polished plates of copper or bronze. Metal mirrors were, at best, poor reflectors—they illustrate the words of Paul about seeing “in a mirror, dimly.”

Paul was contrasting our spiritual perception in this life—dim and cloudy—with what our perception will be when “that which is perfect has come” (1 Corinthians 13:10). Paul describes that future time as seeing Christ “face to face.” No longer will we see dimly, but when Christ, the “perfect,” comes, we will know Him the same way He now knows us. The gaps in our spiritual vision will be filled in by His glorious presence when “that which is in part will be done away.”

Do not despair at seeing dimly at the present time. Rejoice that the day is coming when you will behold the Lord face to face.

We may see God’s glory blazing in the sun and twinkling in the stars.
Thomas Watson