“But as it is written, ‘Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love Him’.”
I Corinthians 2:9
When we remember what awaits us and Who accompanies us on the Journey, our weariness should be tempered by wonder and expectant Hope.
Although the Apostle Paul didn’t cite his reference in today’s Manna, his “as it is written” is taken from Ps. 31:19 and Is. 64:4. David talked of God’s “Goodness (Heb. ‘tuwb’—‘beauty, benevolence, joy, best, etc.’), which He has laid up (Heb. ‘tsaphan’—‘to hoard, reserve, hide, keep, etc.’) for them that fear (Heb. ‘yare’—‘to revere, worship, stand in awe of, etc.’) Him, which He has wrought for them that trust (Heb. ‘chacah’—‘to confide in, find refuge in, hide in for protection, etc.’) in Him before the sons of men!”
And, Isaiah’s version says “For since the beginning of the world, no one has heard, perceived by the ear or seen with the eye what God has prepared for them that wait for Him.” Thus, it’s clear that every saint of every generation has experienced the same challenges or tension of faith that “catches a glimpse of what awaits but eludes the grasp” (Heb. 11:13-14).
That’s why it’s important for us to nurture our spiritual eyes lest we end up only living by sight—which leads to disillusionment, discouragement, depression, despair, etc.
Oh how difficult this is at times!
But, again, God is faithful (I Cor. 10:13) and His Grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9-10).
No wonder Isaiah said “for them that wait for Him.” He knew much of the Race of Faith involves waiting, i.e., patient endurance (Heb. 12:1c). There’ll be times in the Race that we’ll “grow weary in well-doing and faint in our minds” (Gal. 6:9), where we’ll be tempted to say “What’s the use?!?”
But, it’s in those times that we must “forget what’s behind us and press on for the Prize that awaits us” (Phil. 3:13-14). And, this will only happen as we continue “looking unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) and remember His great Love for us (Eph. 2:4). Maybe that’s why Paul changed Isaiah’s version (“for them that WAIT for Him”) to “for them that LOVE Him.” When we know He loves us—and we love Him—we also know there’s nothing we’re going to face today or tomorrow that HE can’t handle. Hallelujah!!
Likewise, when we know the Lord Jesus has “gone to prepare a Place for us” (Jn. 14:1-3) and has sent His Holy Spirit to “guide, comfort and correct us” so we won’t feel like abandoned, homeless orphans (Jn. 14:15-18, 26; 15:26; 16:7-14), we’ll be able to “rejoice with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory” (I Pet. 1:8-9). Thank You, Lord!
Yes, dear Pilgrim, although for now we only “see dimly and partially” as one looking through a smoke-stained window (I Cor. 13:12a), by faith we know that one of these days our theme song shall be “I can see clearly now.” Glory!! Are you ready, Pilgrim? Are you ready? If so, why not give a Victory shout even now??
July 8, 2011
