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Vol. 11 No. 10 October 2009 |
Page 4 |
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Vol. 11 No. 10 October 2009 |
Page 4 |
Tim Childs
It’s no secret that great advancements in the practice of medicine have been made possible through modern technology. When something goes wrong inside our bodies, doctors are able to use MRI and other equipment to scan and see what the problem is. The ability to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries has been enhanced as both doctors and surgeons can see clearly beyond the skin and underlying tissue.
Doctors will often show the images to their patients as they share their diagnoses. Isn’t it amazing to see not only the organs and vessels, but further, what is taking place within them?
Without the aid of modern technology, God sees just as vividly what is going on within us. God didn’t need our modern equipment to see David, centuries before, when he was being formed within his mother’s womb, for he writes of God: “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:15-16).
When Jesus walked among men, during the days of the first century A.D., He astounded others with His capacity to see far beneath the exterior of human flesh. Without the aid of modern equipment, Jesus could see and diagnose man’s spiritual maladies of the heart.
Such was the case in an event that unfolded in Matthew 9:1ff. Being brought before him, Jesus met a man who was physically sick with palsy. Jesus would have mercy and said, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Say that again? What? These words created a stir in the minds of some present. Matthew records that “certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemes.” “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, ‘Wherefore think you evil in your hearts?’” (Verses 3-4). Although their thoughts were not verbally expressed, Jesus saw clearly what was taking place on the inside.
We have long been blessed by God since He has given us the Bible, which enables us to see within ourselves as He sees us. As we look into this “mirror of the soul,” we are given the capacity to see what changes must be made for better spiritual health.
In closing, may you and I have the courage to behold ourselves as we are before God and our fellowman. May we have the wisdom that lies in a determination to change so that we conform to the image of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).