When the twelve leaders of Israel came back to report their findings to Moses about the land of Canaan, the vast majority held a negative report. In spite of God’s clarified victory, ten men declared defeat. Only Joshua and Caleb came back with positive report as they reiterated God’s spoken word. Everyone saw the same land. Each were witness to the same enemy, issues and obstacles. They also all saw the same reward; grapes, honey and fruit. The difference was in their vision.
Ten spies saw through eyes of doubt and the lack of human resource. The majority ignored God’s command and provision as they peered over into the land of promise. God was nowhere in the picture when they saw the giants roaming the land. God was absent from their sight when they saw well-fortified cities, massive walls, and impenetrable gates. Yet for Joshua and Caleb, everything was seen through the prism of their Invincible God. They were looking through the lenses of the Creator and Warring King.
Think of it: An army surrounded the city of Dothan for the express purpose of killing Elisha. His servant however, saw the enemy and it frightened him. His sight led him to fear and peril. 2 Kings records the prayer of the prophet. It is the prayer I pray over so many people when they see only the current issues that bind their hearts. 2 Ki 6:17 And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
Irrespective of what we see, the question remains, “What does God see?” His spoken Word has the power to transform every situation. He is not limited by our natural eyes as there is another sight that we must see.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole