MEDITATION:
Written by Annie Yorty, a contemporary author and speaker.
In the Old Testament, there’s a story of a prophet named Elisha, whose defenseless city was surrounded by “a substantial army.” The angry king of that army planned to kidnap Elisha to prevent him from helping God’s people. Elisha’s servant quaked at the sight of the enormous force encircling them. He cried, “This is hopeless, my master” (2 Kings 6:15)! Elisha, though, remained remarkably calm. You see, he saw something with the eyes of his heart that his attendant could not perceive. I wonder if the sight that greeted Elisha’s servant when God opened his eyes left him speechless. Numerous horses and flaming chariots surrounded them. Elisha did not fear the puny force of the earthly king because he could see the powerful King of heaven defending him. When Jesus lived on earth, he healed physical blindness. “Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly (Mark 8:25). Not content with just physical restoration, Jesus also came “to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). In other words, Jesus opens the eyes of the heart to spiritual sight.
Elisha’s servant discovered that the world looked significantly different when he saw through the eyes of his heart. When the heavenly realm comes into focus, problems shrink. Provision appears. With spiritual sight, we see the anguish in the heart that spewed angry words. We sympathize with the addict’s chains. We recognize doubt underlying haughtiness and fear of failure behind insolence. We also realize that Almighty God protects us with His army. Jehovah Jireh provides exactly what we need. Emmanuel stays with us through every circumstance. We radiate hope anchored to the ultimate victory of Jesus. God gives us the ability to see people and problems in the world from His point of view, which includes the thoughts and motives that prompt outward actions. He pulls back the curtain on the heavenly realm to show the big picture. Have you ever covered your eyes to avoid a scary part of a movie? In the same way, we sometimes deliberately close our eyes to the inconvenient or painful realities that God reveals. Is there any spiritual reality you resist? Perhaps God is nudging you to see and respond to a difficult relationship with His compassion instead of censure. Or maybe the eyes of your heart perceive His guidance for a problem, but you’d rather tackle it your way. Another prophet of God named Isaiah received a strong vision of the heavenly realm. He saw a royal chamber in the temple with the glorious King seated front and center on His throne. Magnificent, adoring seraphim surrounded God. When Isaiah despaired at his unworthiness to stand in God’s presence, a seraph cleansed him, and God spoke. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me’” (Isaiah 6:8)! Isaiah’s unequivocal reply flew out of his mouth. In gratitude for spiritual sight, he surrendered his life to God. Perhaps we all need to spiritually be unable to close the eyes of our heart. Unable to turn away from the spiritual realities God reveals. Eager to respond to what we see.
PRAYER:
Written by Wendy Van Eyck, a contemporary writer and blogger.
God, sometimes life gets me down and I find it hard to see things to be thankful for. Open my eyes to see the gifts you’ve given me in my life. I’m going to start by thanking you for loving me enough to come to earth and die so we can live together forever. Amen.
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