THE CHILDREN'S EYESIGHT

A song of forty-three verses by Moses tells us, amongst any other important things, that God preserved His ancient people as the apple, or pupil, of His eye. This shows how precious they were to Him and also reminds us how valuable our eyesight is to us. In fact we know that we do everything we can to protect it. We speak, too, of seeing with the 'eye of faith', which is a beautiful way of saying that the things which God gives to obedient believers are real to our own spirits. This eyesight must also be kept keen.

Although God's thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts, He comes down in grace to our way of thinking. The Scriptures mention over twenty members of the human body as if they applied to Him who is, of course, a Spirit. This is to teach us certain lessons. For instance, we are told that His behold the children of men and also that His eyelids try them. It may sometimes appear that His eyes are shut, but we must remember that He is the Observer of men! This keeps the conscience tender and assures us that He also sees all that is right and good.

The prophet Elisha had much to do with young people. There were always the sons of the prophets who represent those who have an interest in the truth of God but who need to be taught in His school by word and by example. Also mention is made of individuals such as the maid in Naaman's house and the sons of the poor widow. You will remember, too, that he brought back to life a child of tender age. The lad sneezed seven times and then opened his eyes. He could not help doing the first, although it was a true sign of life - but to open his eyes was his own action. This miracle shows that when God grants a new life to us, however young, we should use the power to open and keep open the eyes of faith.

We are taught a different lesson by the story of Elisha and his attendant. The place where they were was surrounded by a great enemy host during the night. When the servant woke up early and went out he saw them all and, as we can well believe, he was full of fear. But he had to learn that God is able to protect those who witness for Him, in a way not seen by the ordinary eye. Therefore He "opened the eyes of the young man" who then saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. Are you amongst those who, through faith, are kept guarded by the power of God?

J.C.Evershed