I am one of many individuals with the dubious distinction of poor eyesight. I used to laugh at my old school teachers who seemed to be looking down their nose at me, and now I realize I owe them an apology. They were most likely just trying to dial in their corrective lenses just to see me as I talked to them.
Elisha not only had good eyesight, he could even see the spiritual plane, as he was blessed with a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, by his own request. Once, when an army with horses and chariots had surrounded a city to capture Elisha, his servant cried out, “Alas, Master, What shall we do?” And Elisha replied, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them.” He then prayed, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” The Lord did so, and Elisha’s servant was able to see horses and chariots of fire all around them, probably in defense mode.
Sometimes, I wish I could see the spiritual forces around me, for comfort and support, like a shield about me, but other times I would likely be terrified at the spiritual warfare taking place. I take comfort in the idea the Lord does not give us more than we can handle, so I believe I am not ready to see the spiritual yet. But I do believe it is possible. It is in the Bible, 2 Kings 6, after all. So, I ask myself, “Am I just putting God in too small a box? Or am I protecting myself within a small box because I can’t handle God’s glorious plans for me?” Either way, I am the limiting factor. Jesus often said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” If my faith is small, I may have poor spiritual eye-sight. I will miss opportunities to do good in the world because I cannot see the real need. It gives new meaning to Jesus giving sight to the blind.
By the way, how’s your spiritual eyesight?
Grace & Peace, Charles.