To: All
My dear children,
Jesus says, The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore if your eye is good, the whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.
At first I took this passage at the literal sense: good eye can see, cataract eye cannot see: look at good things and be enlightened, look at bad things and get contaminated (surfers of cybersmut be warned!). After all, Jesus says if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away (Matt 19:29). I think we should look at the world with Philippians 4:8 goggles to see whatsoever is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
This passage, however, is sandwiched in a teaching about treasures: Matt 6:19-21, and Matt 6:24. To be properly understood, bible passages should be reviewed in context. The eye is the lamp of the body. The "eye" is in the singular. Could it be a metaphorical third eye? Not only is Jesus referring to the physical eye, but also to the spiritual eye: what sort of treasures does your soul yearn for? What sort of treasures does your spirit seek. If you seek spiritual treasures light will fill you. This interpretation is confirmed for me by looking at the next verse. What do you see when you look forwards with visionary ambition?
Are you filled with self righteousness and pride? Do you think you can conquer the whole world with your own intellect and strength.
To summarise this teaching, Jesus says, "No man can serve to masters" "You cannot serve God and Money." (The KJV uses the word "Mammon", reflecting the Aramaic word for wealth personified). This teaching comes so relevantly to our very materialistic society. Many people have indeed evaluated the status of money to a god they worship. Their very soul and spirit, their time and money is caught in the pursuit of the almighty dollar. For some it is power that they seek. Others position. These are hard task masters, and the glory they bring is temporary.
Who is your master? Who is your God? Who do you worship?
Jesus says, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand".
From: Su Min
Subject: Eyes
Today's reading is Matt 6: 22-24.
If your spiritual eye is focused on the right target, then your spiritual lamp is bright, your whole body will be full of light, and how great is that brightness. You are indeed set on a lampstand, like a city set on a hill that cannot be hid, giving light to all in the room.
We are grateful to Jesus who is the light of the world. He is Teacher. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. He is Saviour. He is Master.
Let us pray
Jesus says, "I love you".
Heavenly Father
Thank you for your lesson today.
Abba, help us look on worldly things with heavenly eyes.
Thank you Father with blessing us with physical possessions for us to use.
Teach us O God not to worship them.
Help us Father to grow spiritually.
Help us to focus on You.
Help us to do your will.
In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
For any comments or enquiries please write to Dr. Lim Su Min
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