The Reflection on Water

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

A few months ago, I was crossing a bay bridge when I noticed the clouds outside my window catching the late afternoon sun. The reflection was so strong on the perfect white surface of the cloud formation that it appeared to be illuminated from within. But beneath the sky, the reflection on the water looked nothing like the magnificent image above. Instead, the bright sculpted clouds appeared as pale yellow patches in the drifting waves.

It made me think of God and how we attempt to interpret Him.

Our laws and traditions.

They are a dim mirror, a poor reflection of what God truly wants to reveal to His people.

“Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…” 1 Corinthians 13:12

The teachers and Pharisees stood before Christ with a woman caught in adultery.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” John 8: 4-5

Jesus bent down and wrote in the sand.

I’ve heard different perspectives on what Jesus inscribed there — Was it a message to the woman? The sins of the Pharisees?

I like to believe Jesus was writing the true meaning of the law to the preachers of it.* The revelation must have seemed foreign to ones accustomed to interpreting God through stone— a glimpse of light they knew to be true and yet couldn’t fully grasp in the shifting sand.

Just like I imagine it must have been difficult for the first followers of Jesus who for centuries had been comforted by a faith they could see— we haven’t outgrown that instinct.

We quote law. Christ says love is the greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:36-40)

We demand tradition. Christ says be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

We wait for death. Christ says I have so much more I want to tell you. (John 16:12)

Here and now.

I’ve clung to symbols and traditions and said, “This is The law”. 

I’ve felt the sharp edges of the rocks in my hands and said, “This is the law.“ 

But Jesus bends down and writes in the sand that has become a mirror at my feet.

And through it I can see the sky.

*Inspired by “The Exodus” teaching from the Jesus BC series by Pastor Josh Morris of Gateway Church.

📷 Photo by Anthony DiCicco