Eyes to See

‘Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people; who have eyes but do not see; who have ears but do not hear.

                                                                               Jeremiah 5:21 (NASB)

 

 

When my grandson Brandon was 5 years old we took him to Disney On Ice. He watched the show with wonder and delight. When I saw a talented performer in costume, he saw the real Buzz Lightyear. When I saw special effects that brought forth illusion, he saw a genuine winter wonderland complete with snow. Within moments, a winter storm became a wizard’s lair. He was enthralled and giddy as I got distracted. 

 

The difference between us is his ability to see more than the physical, to peer beyond it, and glimpse a reality beyond what’s real.

 

In a fascinating and brilliant way, Brandon does not perceive the world in tangible ways only. He does not see with only his eyes, or hear with only his ears. For him, the world is not literal. He experiences the world with his mind and his imagination, perhaps even with his spirit. And he sees with his heart, delighted by the wondrous world that most of us no longer see.

Watching him watching those wonders, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the time Jesus asked his disciples, “having eyes, do you not see?” (Mark 8:18a, Jeremiah 5:21) He was not talking about imagination. He was speaking of their faith, actually their lack of it.

I looked again at the arena. Actors, costumes, props, were all I could see. But I understood.

 

There is more to sight than the physical world around us.

 

Brandon’s imagination enhanced his sight. It takes genuine faith to enlighten ours.

And when we take the leap, when we are willing to let our spirit lead, when we decide to “see” things as a child, we find God and His Spirit everywhere. We experience a world beyond our natural senses. Then we have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” the spiritual reality that transcends this earthly domain. 

Now, at times, when I look at an awkward shy teen, I see a bold leader. When I find distress all around, I see God’s comforting presence. When I look at my nearly empty checkbook, I see God’s unlimited provision. 

 

Faith, like imagination, unlocks a world beyond what our eyes see and our ears hear.

 

Those disciples saw one loaf of bread to share among them all. Jesus wanted them to see Him, the bread of life, ready to provide enough for all. They were still stuck in the physical. They hadn’t yet truly received the kingdom. 

But we have. We have the very Holy Spirit of God within us. And with His help we enter His kingdom as easily as Brandon enters Arendelle. What you see will be amazing.

Guest Bio: Albert Leon is a husband, father, and grandfather who loves to teach the bible and write. He is a licensed minister active in his local church.

Email address: alleon1027@comcast.net

Devotional title: Eyes to See 

Links to social media: Instagram – @realalbertleon, FB – Albert A. Leon

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