We can safely assess that Jesus lived the most purpose-filled life of any human being throughout history. Though constantly hounded by the religious leaders of His day, Jesus kept right on fighting because of His purpose—which includes all of us today. His mission, always front and center in His thinking, continually propelled Him forward—sometimes into difficult and dark places.
“For the joy that was set before Him [Jesus] endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
Jesus’ joyful vision and commitment carried Him through it all. He maintained a broader, deeper and longer outlook because He knew, and knows, what we can only imagine. The prophet Elisha also experienced a glimpse of this world:
“And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So [Elisha] answered, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are greater than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:15-17
Life is more than what we can see with our eyes. Even today there are very real unseen realities that surround us. If this is difficult to imagine, think about the unseen qualities of x-rays and gamma rays, gravity and wind, protons and electrons—yet we can “see” their impact.
But there are other dimensions just as real. We are surrounded by a bristling universe, an unseen battlefield of spiritual warfare fighting for the trusting allegiance of all of the Earth’s inhabitants.
SPIRITUAL THOUGHT
On one side, the enemy of souls employs deception and coercion. On the opposing side, our Creator wields truth and love. The greatest casualty in this war was the Son of God, who endured the cross. Paradoxically, the greatest victor in the war is the Son of God, who for the joy set before Him arose from the dead and reigns forevermore. May we look at life as He sees it.
MY PRAYER
Lord, open our eyes to see You at work in the unseen. Amen.
