The Window Between Two Worlds

It is not always clear or distinct which door a Christian should walk through when decisions are needed.  For this reason, prayer is the key in finding God’s direction; remaining prudent and steadfast until such time that visibility is made clear where to place our next step, and then move with caution, while listening for God’s voice to speak to our heart.  It is a walk of faith.  

I've heard my Father-in-law use this illustration more than once.  He said, “When a person gives their life to God they are in His perfect will, but finding direction takes prayer.”  My dad believed that a person could, as he put it, “Pray through on things.”  He too believed in prayer and the positive results that praying brought about.

My wife and I just left McDonald’s where we go once in a while to just hang out and enjoy each other’s company.  This particular restaurant is kept immaculate in every way.  The restrooms, floors throughout, and tables are always clean.  The windows are free from children’s syrupy hand-prints; super spotless, so much so that I had to wear my sunglasses; sparkling clean.

Some restaurants are disgusting when it comes to cleanliness and the general appearance of things, which, in my opinion, speak volumes about the quality, or lack thereof, regarding the food that’s prepared in substandard kitchens.

I have walked out of establishments like these after visiting the restroom and seeing the lack of good housekeeping practices.  You know what I mean.  The thought of eating in places like this turns my stomach, but a person must open their eyes to see, rather than being blinded by the establishment’s name or chain of restaurants that they are a part of; which brings me to my thought for today.

What do clean windows or obscured, filthy windows have to do with anything in the light of God’s Word?  To see through a glass darkly, or in other words, difficulty in seeing through a pane of glass is indicative of the lack of clarity and good visibility.

The ancients of old used polished stone and metals such as brass to serve as mirrors.  They were nothing like today’s mirrors, which show exactly what we look like at any given time, while peering into them.

Sometimes I wish my vanity mirror was obscure and outdated like those in the past, because the older I get the more I see my dad, now in heaven, staring back at me—balding head, wrinkles, and jowls that are covered with gray whiskers each morning.  It is amazing what clarity reveals.

The scripture verse in the Bible that refers to the non-clarity of glass is found in (1 Corinthians 13:12).  For all intents and purposes, as I understand it, the analogy presented in scripture refers to a mirror that is not distinctive; having characteristics that are blurred and unclear to the beholder; not being able to see visibly the reflection that it is limited in providing.

(1 Corinthians 13:12), “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:  now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

Another translation of this same scripture reads:

(1 Corinthians 13:12), “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

Generally speaking, Christians desire to abide in truth and see the manifestation of God’s Spirit in their life, but too often, things have a way of getting in the way; an enigma or mystery as to how vision has become impaired and hampered to the point that dedication to God becomes a challenge. 

Christians need to keep their eyes on Jesus so they can see more clearly the way that leads to heaven…like the chorus, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace.”

As long as we are in this world, we see in part and we know in part.  But when Jesus returns to earth and receives all Christians unto Him, no longer will vision be impaired or hampered.

(1 Corinthians 13:9), “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”  vs.10 “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

Temptation can interfere with good vision when a person yields to it.  It is as if temporary scales or cataracts form on inner, spiritual eyes that cause momentary blindness, which the devil strives to accomplish, until such time that sight is restored by the Holy Spirit when repentance is put into action through prayer.

It is like the flash of a camera that affects the natural ability of a person to see.  It is most difficult after the bright flash enters the eyes.  All that is seen is the brilliance of the bulb and its temporary affect that the flash has on the retina.  But when the eyes are closed, little by little, vision is restored.

(1 Corinthians 10:13), “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

The ability to observe God’s plan in one’s life can be clear as long as they walk by faith and put their trust in God, even in the midst of the brilliance and temporal flash that temptation may create.  Though sin exists and there is a temporary lose of sight for the goal ahead—heaven, sight can be brought back by closing eyes in prayer and asking God to forgive them of their transgression.  Vision and the purpose of a Christ-filled life are restored. 

(2 Corinthians 5:7), “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

(1 John 1:9), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When Christians enter heaven, the imperfections that accompany visibility on earth become visibly clear; and the lack of knowledge is transformed into total understanding.  Faith is no longer needed; it is swallowed in actual sight, and hope is replaced with enjoyment.  There is no room to believe and hope when we see and enjoy the excellence and perfection of heaven.

The window between two worlds, the spiritual and natural realm, is no longer a mystery, nor is it a challenge to see through, because we will see God face to face.  And when we see Him we will be like Him.

(1 John 3:2), “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd