Among the lampstands was someone like a son of man. . . . His eyes were like blazing fire. (Rev. 1:13–14)
“I cannot open my eyes and look,” the young man cried out. We had encountered this young man, who was possessed by demons, while we were out preaching the gospel and conducting some pastoral home visitations in the community. As we prayed for him, he became fierce and tried to leave the room. As we intensified our prayers, he slowly began to communicate more sensibly with us. Among his first words were this refusal to open his eyes and look.
The young man told us he didn’t want to open his eyes because he had seen an image of a demon in the corner of the room where we were. The form of this particular demon was so frightening, he said, that he had closed his eyes in fear. His body trembled visibly as he spoke about it.
What scary, spiritual images have you seen in your dreams or in real life that have left you with a sense of dread, or afraid to switch off the light in your room? Contrast that with the one true divine image that reflects hope, peace, power, and authority. This image causes demons to flee, nations to bow, and the weak to have courage. It is the appearance of the One who holds the final word in life. Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God is our perfect image.
Open your eyes to see the glory of the King.
Jim Machuku is an ordained minister, resident pastor at Mc3, and an educator. He is passionate about leadership development in Africa.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
