Do You See with Divine Perspective?
July 30, 2023
Do You See with Divine Perspective?
By Brooke Holt
“O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” The Collect, Proper 12, Book of Common Prayer
Jesus told his disciples that in this world all would experience tribulation. He then shared the good news - he had overcome the world. With his help, he knew the disciples could do the same (see John 16:33). He could have added that on top of tribulation they would experience temptations, frustrations, disappointments, and losses. Constantly, each of them and those to come would struggle to see these things from a divine perspective instead of a temporal one.
Why does your perspective matter? Jesus was able to endure every hardship and temptation because of his perspective. Jesus always saw beyond the momentary and into eternity. He knew that his perfect obedience and sacrifice was the means to your salvation. The author of Hebrews writes that it was for the joy set before him that Jesus endured the cross (see Hebrews 12:2). That joy of Jesus was the salvation of his disciples, family, friends, you, and me.
If Jesus had only considered his excruciating pain, would he have stayed on that cross? I sure would not have! Thankfully, Jesus looked beyond his temporal agony into the eternal plan of his Father. He trusted God’s plan and accepted every aspect of that plan, including his pain. And though his pain was real, it was only temporal. He rose from the grave victorious leaving behind his anguish and embracing the joy of resurrection. Today, he lives and reigns seated at the right hand of the Father.
The prayer of The Collect today asks that you also see beyond the temporal and into the things of eternity. Though you will face tribulation, temptation, frustration, disappointment, and many losses, you will persevere through the strength of the Holy Spirit in every situation. As the prayer declares, God is your protector; he is the one who makes you strong and holy and who also pours out his mercy anew each day. With him as your ruler and guide, you have eyes to see beyond current circumstances and into the eternal realm.
Jesus has made the way for you to overcome. It begins with your perspective. When you choose to take your eyes off your circumstances so that you can lift them to Jesus, you gain his perspective. When you ask him to help you see through the lenses of eternity, the things of this world can lose their grip on you. When you look to him to be your protector, your sustainer, your redeemer, and your ruler and guide, you will find provision for this journey of life.
Jesus will never fail you. He will fulfill each of these roles perfectly and make the way for you to endure and overcome while he will also prepare your eternal home. There, all these earthly tribulations and trials will be forgotten.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need a perspective change? Invite Jesus to help you shift your eyes and perspective; then look to him to lead you to victory for today and into eternity. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
Let's face it, the Christian life is hard. Relationships take work. Christians forget. Sometimes it is tempting to go back to the days when God was not the center of our lives - to backslide. We are all faced with tremendous pressures to drift away from intimacy with Jesus and the community of the Church. However, the Lord invites us to pay attention, to move forward, to draw near, and to live lives of worship. Draw Near: Hebrews on Christian Worship is a small group Bible study on the Book of Hebrews intended to lead participants into a deeper intimacy with the living God in the context of New Testament worship. Draw nearer to God in authentic worship today!
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