So today is the first day of the year 2020. I am so blessed to be able to see the beginning of this year (my very good friend, Stephen, went to be with Jesus on December 31st, very early in the morning).
No one, nobody, not one person on this earth (no matter how learned, educated, religious, or smart they or others think they are) knows what will happen in this New Year. Yet, a host of people are speaking and writing about a catchy phrase that is becoming popular with the beginning of this year. They are calling for the people of the world to embrace “2020 Vision” as though it is the answer to all the world’s problems. Beloved, it falls short of hope and expectations. A 2020 vision may be short-sighted, after all.
The phrase “20/20 vision” refers to normal vision. It measures the sharpness of your sight at 20 feet from an object. A person with 20/20 vision can see what an average individual can see on an eye chart when they are standing 20 feet away. It doesn’t mean you have perfect vision.
The major problem in this world has always been that man’s vision at best has only been average. What am I referring to? What, then, will help us through this year 2020 and beyond? The Apostle Paul came closer to this understanding than most, so I want to leave you with some of his Holy Spirit inspired words in Philippians. It has to do with appropriating an attitude of trust in God, Who knows the future, regardless of what comes our way.
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:1-14)
He goes on to say in chapter 4 and verse 13, a verse that is many times misused by modern Christians, that no matter what lies ahead in days to come, the good or the bad, he is willing and able to face it all in Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”
Beloved, do not depend on 2020 vision. That is what the average person is seeing and trusting in. Pursue Jesus. Let His mind live in you. He is the One Who sees before and after and during all at the same time. What is His vision? Well, it is eternal, isn’t it!
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Happy Eternal Life, right now and always! Pray On!
