HOW DO YOU SEE THINGS? (PART 1)
TEXT:
"And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, ... " (Revelation 5 verses 5 to 6, King James Version).
What we are about to discuss in this series is of utmost importance because a whole lot of people's attitude in life depends on their perception of themselves and of things around them. The matter for discussion today stems from what transpired in heaven, around the throne of God.
In Revelation 5, we are told that God had in His Hand a Book sealed with seven seals, and obviously, this Book contained revelation that was exceedingly beneficial to mankind. The Bible says, "And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon."
(Revelation 5 verse 3). Seeing this as a constraint to the salvation of humanity, apostle John began to weep profusely. Then one of the heavenly elders said to him:
"Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (Revelation 5 verse 5).
This was good news to the apostle; but looking closely, he saw something different:
"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne ... stood a Lamb as it had been slain, ... " (Revelation 5 verse 6).
While the heavenly elder saw "the Lion of the tribe of Juda," the apostle saw "a Lamb as it had been slain,"
This is enormously instructive! Is it possible for two people to see one and the same thing differently? Emphatically yes! But what's responsible for this? It has to do with the way we discern and perceive things. Also, a lot has to do with the standpoint from which we perceive or discern issues. Here on earth, for instance, we are often sensual, grossly limited in scope and finite in perception. Most times, we don't see correctly, though we have good eyes with which we see. As the Bible says in 1st Corinthians 13 verse 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." This is how we perceive things here on earth.
Besides, we need to understand that although apostle John's experiences in the Book of Revelation were as a result of his being in the Spirit and his transition to heaven (Revelation chapter 1 verse 10, chapter 4 verse 1).
Nevertheless and despite being in heaven, the apostle was still a man with earthly perceptions. Though he found himself before the throne of Majesty in heaven, his earthly perceptions still stuck on him. This accounts for why he saw Jesus from a worldly perspective as "a Lamb as it had been slain, ... ", considering His crucifixion through weakness (2nd Corinthians 13 verse 4); while in heaven, He's seen as "the Lion of the tribe of Juda," considering His victory over His enemies (Colossians 2 verse 15 and Revelation 5 verse 5). The point is, if we are not careful our earthly perceptions may have the tendency to becloud heavenly truths.
In our present dispensation, we are privileged to have God's Word in our possession. From it, heaven's perspective of things is presented to us for our knowledge and use. It's basically now a matter of choice for us whether or not we will stick to our earthly perspective of things or to the heavenly perspectives presented in God's Word. The question is, how do you see Christ? Still, how do you see yourself? Do you see the Lord or yourself from a worldly or earthly perspective?
With regards to knowing Christ, apostle Paul on his part was able to overcome this challenge. In 2nd Corinthians 5 verse 16, Christian Standard Bible, he had this to say:
"From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective. Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective, yet now we no longer know him in this way."
Brethren, the Biblical, heavenly view of you is by far superior to earth's view of you; after all, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3 verse 20). While Gideon for instance, saw himself a weakling, the angel of God saw him as a mighty man of valor (Judges 6 verse 12). Eventually, he proved to be what the angel called him. Henceforth therefore, begin to see yourself from the standpoint of heaven as presented in God's Word. It's not only the truth, but thank God, it's utterly reliable.
PRAYER:
Though I am on the earth, I'm not of the earth. Despite what happens around me, I see myself as heaven sees me.