Seeing Clearly Through Kingdom Eyes
By Dean Collins
I was in high school when Johnny Nash released his hit song, “I Can See Clearly Now.” If you were in a marching band in the ’70s or early ’80s, you likely played this song during the halftime show. It is an upbeat and positive song about overcoming obstacles and having a positive outlook on life. While I believe that having a positive outlook on life is helpful in our relationships and in getting through the day’s tasks, having a kingdom outlook is far better!
In a previous devotional, I referenced the words of Jesus concerning our eyes being the lamp of the body. Today, I want to take this idea one step further. I don’t think it is by accident that Jesus talked about our eyes being full of light immediately before teaching about not worrying about our daily needs.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray that his kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. Once we become followers of Jesus, the light of his kingdom rule allows us to see what we are to focus on and what we are not to worry about.
Right before Jesus told us not to be anxious about our lives, he told us how to view our treasures. It is clear that the more stuff we have, the more time we tend to spend taking care of and worrying about our stuff. In the process, we can forget that our primary calling has to do with storing up spiritual treasures.
Seeing with the full light of Jesus in our lives allows us to realize that the basics of life will be provided by the Creator of the universe. The birds do not worry about their next meal because God created both them and the source of their food. The flowers do not worry because God sends rain to sustain them. Since God created us in his image, he knows exactly what we need and has provided more than enough resources for our basic needs to be met.
Our challenge is that we have expanded the idea of what is “basic” to include a lot of stuff that really doesn’t matter.
Over the last few days, I spent time with some brothers from Africa. Listening to their stories, I was struck by how little worry they had over aspects of their lives that we in America often obsess about. The stories of war, famine, and health challenges are significant in many places in Africa, yet the patience and confidence these men have in God as their provider are exceptional. Their faith challenges me to make sure that I allow Jesus to continually open my eyes so that I can see him clearly and trust him with everything.
When we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are invited to be the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading his love and sharing the resources he has given us with others in need. The more we try to store up our stuff on this side of eternity, the darker our hearts grow and the less clearly we will see what is central to our calling.
Father, today we ask for eyes to see your vision and your plan for the redemption and restoration of your creation. Open our eyes to see as you see. Open our hearts to love as you love. And open our hands to share with others in need.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Matthew 6:25-34 ESV
Photo by Pexels
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