Introduction. In a previous blog on 9/17/2016, we discussed the application of Paul’s words to the Ephesians: “the eyes of your heart being enlightened; that you may know (eidon/video)” (Eph. 1:18). Words on a page (Scripture) can only be seen through “the eyes of the heart.” How is this done? What must we do to change what we read on a page to what we can see and act upon? Just as “faith comes by hearing... the word of God” (Rom 10:17), so also the only way we can see “the hope of His calling” is to hear the Word, believe it in our heart, and create a vista/video of the promise to replay when we need it.
Bible Examples. Jesus used parables for this same reason. Some were blind and some could see. “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Mt. 13:16-17).
It was because Moses could “look at the reward,” and see it clearly that he was able to “esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (Heb. 11:26). The blind choose treasure, but Moses could see he would gain far more if he walked with God. Jesus saw the “joy that was set before Him,” and He could “endure the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). Paul saw “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
Bible Examples. Jesus used parables for this same reason. Some were blind and some could see. “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Mt. 13:16-17).
It was because Moses could “look at the reward,” and see it clearly that he was able to “esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (Heb. 11:26). The blind choose treasure, but Moses could see he would gain far more if he walked with God. Jesus saw the “joy that was set before Him,” and He could “endure the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). Paul saw “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
Foundational. The foundation of the “living hope” is the ability to see the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life; to see ourselves living in a glorious body, in a beautiful and peaceful home. Peter blessed (eulogeo –eulogy) God for this “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. Once we possess the living hope of the resurrection, we will see “the inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1Pet. 1:3-4).
When the “eyes of our heart are enlightened”, we will “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (I Pet. 3:15). There are two ways to defend our reasons. The first is “head knowledge.” The second is “heart knowledge.” We gain “head knowledge” as we learn facts and are able to recite them. We are then like a doctor right out of med school, beginning his practice. He knows facts, but has little experience.
Those with “heart knowledge” have gained this practical experience and wisdom and therefore see more clearly. After years of applying what we know to the difficult situations of life, we gradually find answers to vexing problems that defy knowledge alone. It the same way we gain patience! “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-4). We can read about patience, but we won’t “see it” with heart knowledge by reading Scripture alone. The same is true of “the hope of His calling.” We can only learn to see it as we live our life and apply this hope to all difficult circumstances.
Conclusion. As a result, we understand the reward Moses saw and the joy set before Jesus, when the promises become more real than life on earth. This is how it has always been. Those in Hebrews died without receiving these promises, but through faith, “having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
We too gradually let go of treasures in this world to become pilgrims on the earth. Like them we too “desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” and like them, “God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Heb. 11:13, 16). We can then say with feeling along with Paul, “to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
When the “eyes of our heart are enlightened”, we will “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (I Pet. 3:15). There are two ways to defend our reasons. The first is “head knowledge.” The second is “heart knowledge.” We gain “head knowledge” as we learn facts and are able to recite them. We are then like a doctor right out of med school, beginning his practice. He knows facts, but has little experience.
Those with “heart knowledge” have gained this practical experience and wisdom and therefore see more clearly. After years of applying what we know to the difficult situations of life, we gradually find answers to vexing problems that defy knowledge alone. It the same way we gain patience! “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-4). We can read about patience, but we won’t “see it” with heart knowledge by reading Scripture alone. The same is true of “the hope of His calling.” We can only learn to see it as we live our life and apply this hope to all difficult circumstances.
- "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2Cor. 4:16-18).
Conclusion. As a result, we understand the reward Moses saw and the joy set before Jesus, when the promises become more real than life on earth. This is how it has always been. Those in Hebrews died without receiving these promises, but through faith, “having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
We too gradually let go of treasures in this world to become pilgrims on the earth. Like them we too “desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.” and like them, “God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Heb. 11:13, 16). We can then say with feeling along with Paul, “to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”