Seeing

by George Atkinson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | Category: General | Sept 1994

According to an old adage, seeing is believing. Perhaps the saying arose from the gospel account of the initial scepticism of the apostle Thomas (John 20:24-29).

But faith can change that adage, producing the reverse - the conviction that believing is seeing. One practical outworking of this is recorded in John chapter nine when the man born blind became able to say, "One thing I do know: I was blind but now I see!" (v.25). In his case the miraculous power of Christ had wrought a physical change.

More recently, despite her initial scepticism a friend used the same words about her spiritual condition when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. For her, and all believers, greater change and joy are in prospect. In heaven they will realize the prophetic word of Isaiah, "Your eyes will see the King in His beauty and view a land that stretches afar" (33:17). They will also know the fulfilment of that promise which the Lord gave to His own, "I will see you again and you will rejoice . .."(John 16:22).

With age eyes may grow dim. Some are darkened completely. But in heaven there will be no darkness; the redeemed will see and be seen in the perfect light of the Lamb of God who is the lamp of the New Jerusalem (Rev.21:23-25).

Biblical quotations from NIV.

George Atkinson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England | Sept 1994
General