20/20 in the 21st Century

S - 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (NIV): "But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. "
 

O - What is wrong with this picture? The combination of circumstances in Ephesus defy our 21st Century worldview.  How can the Lord set open a great door for effective (ἐνεργής: active, operative: - effectual, powerful) work AND allow great opposition (ἀντίκειμαι: to lie opposite, that is, be adverse [figuratively repugnant] to: - adversary, be contrary, oppose) at the same time? Doesn't one negate the other?  Doesn't opposition equate to  ineffectiveness or won't effectiveness eliminate opposition ... and here they are married together? What a minute, is this combination a constant in the life of Jesus? Didn't he say the students are not above their teacher and servants are not above their master?  Wow, 21st century "vision" seems pretty short-sighted from this perspective.  The problem isn't in this picture but in our culture's preconceived and erroneous ideals.

A - I am a resident of the 21st century and I come complete with all the attending issues implied, known and unknown. Fortunately for me (and for us all) Jesus came so that the blind would see.  I want to see clearly according to Jesus and God's Kingdom … unto all that he intends on earth.  I admit my need for my vision to healed day by day. Eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands require his specific and ongoing interface with my life and world. Clear vision one day does not guarantee the same for the next.  Like his mercy being new every morning I need my vision healed every morning too.  This is life as he intends it to be lived. 

P - Lord who makes the seeing and the blind,

My vision seems weaker than usual today but you are strong, you are intent on giving me/us eyes that see and ears that hear and a heart that understands. And so Sovereign Strong, please touch my eyes, my ears and my heart today while it is called today.  Please, Lord, engage me according to your defiant mercy, relentless love and powerful grace.  Today I want to stay near, love you back and be a reason someone else might believe. Jesus, none like you!  Father, I am asking that my vision would be healed so that I will  not see myself or others like trees walking. Please expel the yeast of the Pharisees and infuse my life with the yeast of your kingdom. According to grace I will follow no matter where you lead and no matter what I face.
Steve