By David M. McNabb

Click to Enlarge

There is a song that says, "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you." Certainly, this is a sentiment that many of us share. This newer song differs from the old hymn "O I want to see Him, look upon His face," which heralds the day of Christ's bodily return to earth to establish His kingdom. No, this song speaks more to our present condition, "Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you today in all of your glory."

So we find ourselves looking for the presence and glory of God to be apparent, and manifest itself around us. A heart change is surely required to allow us to witness the Lord, but if our heart needs changed, then, no doubt, our as-yet-imperfect heart's anticipation of what will happen when its eyes are open may be flawed.

The same is true about loving God. John felt it necessary to teach us that those who truly love God love their brother also. No matter how much you think you love God, if you hate your brother, you prove your "love" for God to be impure.

In the very same manner, our love for God causes us to desire to see Him, yet how many people, due to some offense, do we desire never to see again in our lives? Have you ever said, "I hope I never see him again"? Man displays the image of God, so on the one hand we desire to see God, on the other hand we hope never to see one made in the image of God.

James said that the tongue is an unruly evil, with which in one breath we bless God, and in another we curse men. "My brethren, these things ought not so to be" (Jas. 3:6-12).

Yes, my friends, we ought to ask the Lord to open our heart's eyes. Open them so that we can see as He sees. If we could see in the way He sees, then we would really be able to see Him, as we see those things that are made in which He has revealed Himself. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" (Rom. 1:20)

Jesus came "that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind" (John 9:39). Let us therefore acknowledge our need for better vision: a godly perspective, whereby we might behold the mighty works of God, lest we be as the Pharisees, who thought that their vision was fine, but were blind to the presence of God in His Son Jesus Christ.

The Feast of Pentecost is swiftly approaching. Meet us in Paden, Oklahoma as we celebrate the Lord's special time. We will be gathering June 5-8. We are expecting God to bless His special time, as we honor Him in obedience to His word. May the Lord cause a great move of His Spirit to fill this place on this Pentecost also!

The Lord has been good to us in this new location, and we continue to covet your prayers that we will fulfill His will in this place. Our desire is that God might open doors of fellowship with the many precious saints in Paden, and the surrounding areas, that we might begin to come together in the unity of the faith. We pray that God will bring us into one accord, and raise up a nation which shows forth the righteousness of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Bless His holy name!