DAY 15 - January 19 - Things Visible and Invisible

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

Distinguishing between the visible and the invisible realms, and the reality of both realms, is a pivotal belief for all Christians. It is essential to our faith to believe that things we cannot see or touch are just as real, if not more real, than the things we can see.

The visible light spectrum is 0.0035% of the entire electro-magnetic spectrum. That means that humans are capable of seeing less than one hundredth of one percent of all the light there is to see in creation with our physical eyes. What we can see with our eyes of all God has created is such a small number that it would be incredibly presumptuous to claim that, “if we can’t see it we don’t believe it.” How small our world would become if we truly believed that!

The invisible realm consists of spiritual realities that affect our present and future circumstances. Paul is aware that though he may suffer affliction to such a degree that his outward man “perishes,” in a greater way his “inward man” is being renewed every day. The very real weight of affliction in no way compares with the great eternal weight of glory. This is the great hope of Believers everywhere. We live according to the realities of a different world and in that realm eternal priorities rule.

Paul says that the things we can see are temporary. That is, they are passing away. The things we cannot see are eternal. That means they will never pass away. Accordingly, why would we ever build our life on things we can see but that will never last? Any sane person would build their life according to eternal priorities. We may not see these things with our eyes, but because they are eternal, it doesn’t matter. They are established forever.

How we live matters. The person who must see everything he puts his trust in with his own eyes, will be satisfied in the short term. But, if we live according to invisible realities we will have our riches forever.

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

MEDITATION

• Heaven is a distinct realm and Earth is a distinct realm. Believers live in the overlap. Picture the reality of yourself sitting in heaven when you are in particularly trying circumstances. How does that make a difference for you?

• Glory has a weight (Kabod) and our world has a lighter weight. Try to sense the weight of heaven when you are under the seeming heavy burden of your own problems. How does the eternal weight of glory shifting aside the weight of your circumstances?

• Meditating on Ephesians 2:6-7, try to feel yourself rising to heaven to be seated with Christ. Try to see the things on earth from this heavenly perspective. Because Jesus sits on a throne, that is where you are sitting. Try to sense His heart and command events to shift according to His will.