“Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Luke 10.23-24
If we take Jesus at his word, what he says to his disciples is monumental. For thousands of years—since the beginning of time, since God first spoke to Abraham and perhaps even before—people have longed to see what the disciples saw and to hear what they heard.
People have waited to see the Messiah, to see God’s salvation. The Jews still wait and pray for it to this very day. Prayers at the Western Wall (the “Wailing Wall”) and in synagogues are offered for the coming of the Messiah—for God to deliver His people. What Jesus knows, and what the disciples are experiencing, is that God has come in the flesh. Jesus is the One—the Lord, the Christ.
Yet isn’t it intriguing how Jesus reveals this to the disciples? Through signs and wonders, to be sure—but in this instance, “he turned to his disciples and said privately.” It is almost as if the revelation was meant to be a secret. Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly told people not to tell what had happened, not to reveal who had healed them, and not to let others know who he was. And here again, Jesus speaks to the disciples quietly and privately—yet knowing full well that this good news cannot and will not be kept quiet.
We are still living in the end times. God has sent his Messiah, the world is rebelling against the Lord, and the devil seems to have his way. But God is doing a new work of redemption among his people. He is saving, forgiving, and loving. Each and every day, more and more people are finding hope and life in Christ. The love that Christ has for all people compels the Spirit to draw them to himself.
This weekend I was at the Next Level Evangelism Conference at Truett Seminary, sponsored by the Wesley House, and the Spirit moved in powerful ways. The attendees were primarily church folk—pastors and laity—and God was filling them up. He was loving them, equipping them, and strengthening them for the task of carrying the Gospel across the globe.
Let’s pray today for God’s continued revealing of himself to people all over the earth. May many find hope and help in their time of need. May many find salvation through a loving, caring God who holds nothing back in saving his people.
“O Lord God, it’s another day and another spring. There is a newness in the air, flowers on the ground, birds singing in the trees. And your Spirit is alive and well. We are seeing and hearing the things of God—the Kingdom of God is among us. Thank you, Lord, for loving your Church. Thank you for calling all people to your throne. I praise you, Lord, for your grace and goodness are true. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.