Seeing is not always as straight forward as we might think. Our Creator came in human flesh for many reasons, not the least being to communicate clearly with us. Even with that help I know I don’t receive God’s communication as well as I would like.
We communicate with all our senses, not only our words. Studies show us 70% of communication is non-verbal. We use touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing. Jesus said, “Soon you won’t see me any longer, but then, after a little while, you will see me in a new way.” John 16:16 TPT. The original language of this verse uses two different words for see which explains the translator’s italics.
He said this to his followers hoping to encourage and prepare them for his death and resurrection. He promised them the Holy Spirit and His presence with them no matter what. But the way they, and we, see Him now is not with physical eyes, but spiritual eyes.
Paul prayed for Jesus followers, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:17-18. I began praying that prayer for myself as a young believer. I prayed it over my children and over many people over the years.
Praying for the eyes of my heart to be enlightened, I believe, is helping me see much more of life in that new way Jesus wants us to see. What you see, physically, is not always what you get spiritually. In this season of Lent Jesus invites us to transition from only using physical sight into adding spiritual sight.
At first we make that transition by believing Jesus is who he says he is, then trusting that we can take him at his word. As we grow in relationship, our sight strengthens too. All of our senses gradually become more in tune with the Spirit as we lean into Jesus, the living word of God.
So I invite you to dive in with all senses. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8
Will you join me in praying to see Jesus and life in a new way? Ephesians 1:15-18 is a great passage to guide us. Can you think of other passages? I would love to hear what you find.
