JULY 4, 2013
Eternal
Eyesight
Read: 2
Corinthians 4:16–5:8
We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which
are
not seen. —2
Corinthians 4:18
I
received good news at my eye checkup last month—my faraway vision has
improved.
Well, I thought it was good news until a friend informed me: “Faraway
vision
can improve as we age; close-up vision may diminish.”
The
report made me think of another kind of improved faraway vision that I have
observed in some Christians. Those who have known the Lord for a long time or
who have gone through great trials seem to have a better heavenly vision than
the rest of us. Their eternal eyesight has gotten better and their close-up
“earthly”
vision is diminishing.
Because
the apostle Paul had that type of eternal vision, he encouraged the church
in
Corinth: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a
far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory . . . . The
things which are seen are
temporary, but the things which are not seen are
eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18).
For
now we struggle with our “eyesight.” There’s a tension between enjoying all
that God has given us in this life, yet still believing what theologian
Jonathan
Edwards said about our future: “To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God,
is infinitely
better than the most pleasant accommodations here.” Seeing Him
will bring
perfect vision.
Lord, we know that our life on this earth is but
a moment compared to eternity. Help us to enjoy
the time we’ve been given, and use us to tell of Your
love and goodness until that day when we see You.
Keep your eyes fixed on the prize.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
