3 Fundamentals of Spiritual Vision
“I just can’t believe it,” gasped Rose Crawford as the doctor lifted the bandages from her eyes. For the first time in her life Rose saw a beautiful world of color.
Crawford, who had been blind for 50 years since birth, underwent a delicate surgery in an Ontario, Canada, hospital that restored her sight. But here’s the sad and stunning part of the story as related by David Sargent.
The operation had already been perfected 20 years earlier. The surgical techniques used could have given her vision when she was 30. The doctor said, “She just figured there was nothing that could be done about her condition.”
Why did Rose Crawford live in darkness longer than necessary? Possibly she thought her situation was hopeless. Probably she was not searching for a solution. Perhaps those who knew of the operation just never told her.
Rose’s story reminds us of the millions of people unnecessarily groping in spiritual darkness today. They are like those Jesus described whose eyes are blinded to the truth. Whether intentionally, or because they’re being led by others who are blind (Matt 13:13-17; 15:14).
As we continue our theme for the year “20/20 Vision: Restoring Our Focus,” consider 3 fundamentals necessary to open your eyes, restore your vision, and clearly see matters of spiritual importance.
#1 Spiritual vision begins with God. Not man. Not religious dogmas. Not subjective experiences. Not even your preacher or pastor.
Too many are blinded spiritually because they’re looking in the wrong direction. To the wrong person. And at the wrong things.
“In the beginning God…” It all starts with Him. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas 4:8).
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah called on the people, “to Lift up your eyes on high.” He challenged them to see his power, might, and strength through the wonders of creation. (Isa. 40:25-26) The sun. The moon. The stars. The cosmos. The physical world in which we live. All serenely sing, “Our God. He is Alive.”
#2 Spiritual vision is opened, restored and enlightened by the Word of God. Like the Psalmist, our prayer and plea must be, “Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law” (Ps. 119:18).
Through the Word, we get a clearer view of who God is. His character. His nature. His personality. He’s our Heavenly Father. Our loving Shepherd. Our benevolent Protector. The gracious Giver of every good gift. And much more.
Human philosophy and personal opinions distort our image of God. But His Word allows us to clearly see Him and to see what His will is for our lives. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians and by implication for us, is that eyes of our understanding might be enlightened. When our spiritual vision is 20/20 we gain knowledge, receive wisdom, understand our purpose on earth, and get a glimpse of our future inheritance (Eph. 1:15-21).
#3 Spiritual vision is enhanced, enlarged and elevated by seeing and knowing Jesus Christ. “He who has seen Me, has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9) Jesus asserted.
The Bible affirms that Jesus is the “radiance of God’s glory and the “exact representation of His being” (Heb 1:3).
Through Jesus we see God’s goodness. Love. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. Compassion. Kindness. Patience. And holiness.
But we also see how we can become like Christ (Rom. 8:29, I Pet. 2:21-25). We receive precepts for daily living and principles by which we make better decisions. Jesus, the Great Physician, prescribes exactly what we need to solve our sin problem and mitigate the influence of Satan.
Our fervent desire and ardent ambition can be summed up in the supplication, “We want to see Jesus.”
The source and clarity of your spiritual vision will ultimately determine your final destiny.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman