As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.(Psalm 17:15 ESV)
Only Jesus can declare us righteous before God if we have faith in him. To see the Father face-to-face would be both exciting and terrifying at the same time because he is God Almighty. Dare I look him in the eye knowing how much of a sinner I have been? How much shame would I feel because of my stubbornness and disobedience? That feeling of shame does not come from him but is self-imposed because I know I am guilty of breaking his laws.
My knees would probably buckle reminding me to bow down before my Great King. What else could I do? What would I even say? Is there an etiquette that I need to follow? I remain silent because I am afraid to speak.
I am so thankful that Jesus is with me. He is my Savior and my Advocate who wiped my record clean. His hand wrote my name in the Book of Life. Though I remember all my sins, he chose to forget every one of them by saying, “You have already been forgiven, my friend. Now look up.” And when I do, would I see the radiance of God’s smile shine over me? I am convinced that I will and I shall rejoice in relief and gladness because my Father has welcomed me home.