Saturday, July 17, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 16, "'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'", Page 82.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
 

O! but we shall keep
PHOTO: O! but we shall keep
Our vision still. One moment was enough,
We know we are not made of mortal stuff.
And we can bear all trials that come after:
The hate of men and the fool's loud bestial (inhuman) laughter;
And Nature's rule and cruelties unclean
For we have seen the Glory - we have seen.
- C. S. Lewis, Spirits in Bondage:
A Cycle of Lyrics, "Dungeon Grates"

We think of youth as the prime of life, when we have our wits about us. But, as William Shakespeare's Dogberry lamented, "When the age is in, the wit is out. God help us!"

Psychologist B. F. Skinner said, "It is easier to be happy when you're young . . . old age is not the 'best part.'" But Skinner was a behaviorist, who saw human activity as little more than conditioned response. Furthermore, his model was unredeemed humanity. The apostle Paul had the true and much better perspective.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

Gerontologists (focus on studying the aging process) tell us we're three ages at once; chronological, physiological, and psychological. Our chronological age is a function of our years. Our physiological age is a measure of our physical well-being. Our psychological age is the age that we "feel." And I would add a fourth: our spiritual age. This is the true measure of our maturity. It's not a date on our calendar; it's a state of mind.

Age has its troubles - diminished hearing and eyesight, forgetfulness, aching backs and arthritic hands, sleepless nights, faltering steps, crippled knees. These are what Paul calls light, momentary troubles - incremental intimations that "we are wasting away." Yet Paul insists that "inwardly we are being renewed day by day," for our present, temporal troubles are at work to produce an eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, emphasis added)

How so?

Well, as I see it, aging and weakness send our thoughts after God. We learn to "fix our eyes" on Him and on unseen realities; we gain insight to distinguish between the temporary and the timeless, the permanent and the passing. We are drawn by God's love, we set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.

Here is a state of mind, I say, a way of looking at things. It is a matter of seeing what cannot be seen with natural eyes: envisioning the eternal glory that awaits us. It is looking beyond present frailty to what we will someday be - glorious creatures, bursting with radiant beauty and infinite energy!

So, with this vision, "We do not lose heart." We can know strength of character despite our frail and failing humanity. We can show patient endurance and love for others in the midst of our discomfort. We can partner with our pain and go on serving, praying, loving, and caring to the end of our days. We can be joyful and confident at the edge of death. We can press on, because we have seen the glory!

We're all growing older and feeling more of the effects of aging every day. This is "Nature's rule and cruelties unclean." The question is this: How do we view our troubles? Are they driving us toward bitterness and despair? Or are they drawing us into deeper intimacy with God?

If we are growing toward Him, we will see more of the glory than ever before, for that assurance comes not from texts or creeds, but from daily communion with the God of life who loves us as no one else can. Thus, Isaiah encourages us:

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)


O! but we shall keep
Our vision still. One moment was enough,
We know we are not made of mortal stuff.
And we can bear all trials that come after:
The hate of men and the fool's loud bestial (inhuman) laughter;
And Nature's rule and cruelties unclean
For we have seen the Glory - we have seen.
- C. S. Lewis, Spirits in Bondage:
A Cycle of Lyrics, "Dungeon Grates"


O!
PHOTO: O! but we shall keep our vision still. One moment was enough, we know we are not made of mortal stuff. And we can bear all trials that come after: The hate of men and the fool's loud bestial (inhuman) laughter; And Nature's rule and cruelties unclean for we have seen the Glory - we have seen. - C. S. Lewis, Spirits in Bondage: A Cycle of Lyrics, "Dungeon Grates"
Picture posted by Últimos Tempos on Thursday, 25 June 2020 at 08:02 pm
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We think of youth as the prime of life, when we have our wits about us. But, as William Shakespeare's Dogberry lamented, "When the age is in, the wit is out. God help us!" [76]

Psychologist B. F. Skinner said, "It is easier to be happy when you're young . . . old age is not the 'best part.'" But Skinner was a behaviorist, who saw human activity as little more than conditioned response. Furthermore, his model was unredeemed humanity. The apostle Paul had the true and much better perspective.


Psychologist B. F.
PHOTO: Psychologist B. F. Skinner said, "It is easier to be happy when you're young . . . old age is not the 'best part.'"
Picture posted by 123RF
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Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) [77]


Therefore we do not lose heart.
PHOTO: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Picture posted by Bigstock
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Gerontologists (focus on studying the aging process) tell us we're three ages at once; chronological, physiological, and psychological. Our chronological age is a function of our years. Our physiological age is a measure of our physical well-being. Our psychological age is the age that we "feel." And I would add a fourth: our spiritual age. This is the true measure of our maturity. It's not a date on our calendar; it's a state of mind.


Our spiritual age is the true measure of our maturity.
PHOTO: Our spiritual age is the true measure of our maturity. It's not a date on our calendar; it's a state of mind. Spirituality, according to Oxford Dictionaries, is “The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.”
Picture posted by University Village
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https://www.uvrc.com/blog/four-ways-seniors-tend-to-be-more-spiritual-as-they-age-2/


Age has its troubles - diminished hearing and eyesight, forgetfulness, aching backs and arthritic hands, sleepless nights, faltering steps, crippled knees. These are what Paul calls light, momentary troubles - incremental intimations that "we are wasting away." Yet Paul insists that "inwardly we are being renewed day by day," for our present, temporal troubles are at work to produce an eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, emphasis added) [78]


Age has its troubles - diminished hearing and eyesight, forgetfulness, aching backs and arthritic hands, sleepless nights, faltering steps, crippled knees.
PHOTO: Age has its troubles - diminished hearing and eyesight, forgetfulness, aching backs and arthritic hands, sleepless nights, faltering steps, crippled knees. These are what Paul calls light, momentary troubles - incremental intimations that "we are wasting away." Yet Paul insists that "inwardly we are being renewed day by day," for our present, temporal troubles are at work to produce an eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, emphasis added)
Picture posted by Akspic
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https://wallspic.com/image/156652-soul-angel-cloud-mythical_creature-blue


How so?

Well, as I see it, aging and weakness send our thoughts after God. We learn to "fix our eyes" on Him and on unseen realities; we gain insight to distinguish between the temporary and the timeless, the permanent and the passing. We are drawn by God's love, we set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.


Aging and weakness send our thoughts after God.
PHOTO: Aging and weakness send our thoughts after God. We learn to "fix our eyes" on Him and on unseen realities; we gain insight to distinguish between the temporary and the timeless, the permanent and the passing. We are drawn by God's love, we set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.
Picture posted by Dreamstime
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Here is a state of mind, I say, a way of looking at things. It is a matter of seeing what cannot be seen with natural eyes: envisioning the eternal glory that awaits us. It is looking beyond present frailty to what we will someday be - glorious creatures, bursting with radiant beauty and infinite energy!


It is a matter of seeing what cannot be seen with natural eyes
PHOTO: It is a matter of seeing what cannot be seen with natural eyes: envisioning the eternal glory that awaits us. It is looking beyond present frailty to what we will someday be - glorious creatures, bursting with radiant beauty and infinite energy!
Picture posted by wallpaperuse
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So, with this vision, "We do not lose heart." [79] We can know strength of character despite our frail and failing humanity. We can show patient endurance and love for others in the midst of our discomfort. We can partner with our pain and go on serving, praying, loving, and caring to the end of our days. We can be joyful and confident at the edge of death. We can press on, because we have seen the glory!


Looking beyond present frailty, 'We do not lose heart.'.
PHOTO: Looking beyond present frailty, 'We do not lose heart.'. We can know strength of character despite our frail and failing humanity. We can show patient endurance and love for others in the midst of our discomfort. We can partner with our pain and go on serving, praying, loving, and caring to the end of our days. We can be joyful and confident at the edge of death. We can press on, because we have seen the glory!
Picture posted by Irene Rudnyk on 2017 - Asha
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https://500px.com/photo/219378131/asha-by-irene-rudnyk
https://500px.com/p/irenerudnyk?view=photos


We're all growing older and feeling more of the effects of aging every day. This is "Nature's rule and cruelties unclean." The question is this: How do we view our troubles? Are they driving us toward bitterness and despair? Or are they drawing us into deeper intimacy with God?


We're all growing older and feeling more of the effects of aging every day.
PHOTO: We're all growing older and feeling more of the effects of aging every day. This is "Nature's rule and cruelties unclean." The question is this: How do we view our troubles? Are they driving us toward bitterness and despair? Or are they drawing us into deeper intimacy with God?
Picture posted by yaneneko46 on 15 July 2018 -  lily of the valley 🐻👒❤︎
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If we are growing toward Him, we will see more of the glory than ever before, for that assurance comes not from texts or creeds, but from daily communion with the God of life who loves us as no one else can. Thus, Isaiah encourages us:


If we are growing toward Him, we will see more of the glory than ever before, for that assurance comes not from texts or creeds, but from daily communion with the God of life who loves us as no one else can.
PHOTO: If we are growing toward Him, we will see more of the glory than ever before, for that assurance comes not from texts or creeds, but from daily communion with the God of life who loves us as no one else can.
Picture posted by Irene Rudnyk on 04 December 2017 - Jessika
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Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1) [80]


Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)
 

Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that human activity is not just conditioned response basing on variables like age. Paul had the true and much better perspective.

We are encouraged not to lose heart. Although outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Our incremental intimations that cause us to ‘waste away’ are comparatively light and momentary troubles.

Our present, temporal troubles are at work to produce an eternal weight of glory. And God’s glory is heavy because in 2 Chronicles 5:14, the glory of the Lord that filled the house was so heavy that the priests could not stand.

We pray that in our aging and weakness, we send our thoughts after God. Help us to learn to ‘fix our eyes’ on Him and on unseen realities so as to gain insight to distinguish between the temporary and the timeless, the permanent and the passing.

Help us to be drawn by God's love, set our affections on things above and not on things on the earth.

Lord, grant us the correct state of mind to look at things, especially to see what cannot be seen with natural eyes: envisioning the eternal glory that awaits us. May we be able to look beyond our present frailty to what we will someday be - glorious creatures, bursting with radiant beauty and infinite energy.

With this vision, ‘We will not lose heart.’ We can know strength of character despite our frail and failing humanity. We can show patient endurance and love for others in the midst of our discomfort. We can partner with our pain and go on serving, praying, loving, and caring to the end of our days. We can be joyful and confident at the edge of death. We can press on, because we have seen the glory!

We pray that as we grow older and feel more of the effects of aging every day, draw us into deeper intimacy with You. Because if we are growing toward You, we will see more of the glory than ever before. May this assurance comes from daily communion with You, the God of life who loves us as no one else can.

May we be encouraged by Isaiah’s ‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.’

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Irene Rudnyk on 17 March 2019 - Chloe
Reflection - Number Our Days - 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 16, "'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'", Page 82.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


Other Books

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'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 16, "'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'", Page 82-85.

[76] William Shakespeare, Much Ado about Nothing, 3.5.

[77] 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

[78] 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, emphasis added

[79] Paul's word, egkakeo (translated "lose heart" in 2 Corinthians 4:16), means to lose one's motivation, to become discouraged, so give up. "In place of a negative expression such as 'not to give up', it may be better . . . to use a positive equivalent, for example, 'to keep on' or 'to continue.'" See Louw and Nida, A Greek and English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Sematic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1989). Hence, my encouragement: "We can press on . . ."

[80] Isaiah 60:1


Links


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