A Head Held High

The only thing I know, my only 'claim to fame,' is that once I was blind but now I can see. My testimony is summarized in the same words of Bartimaeus as he said, "One thing I know is that once I was blind but now I can see" (John 9:15). Jesus opened my eyes.

Before I had been blind but now I was able to see. Of course I was still not allowed to see everything. Even Moses had to content himself with seeing God's back. But now, with this ability to see, I have to learn where to place my sight. The Bible unlocks the secret to the most exquisite vision available. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to "fix" our eyes on Jesus, He is the source of all beauty.

Unfortunately I often let my eyes wander. That's when God knocks me down just so I'll look up again. Some of the most severe trials in my life have also produced some of the most intimate visions of God. Such was the case with Stephen as well. Stephen also got knocked down, yet it was because the world was not worthy of him. While the stones were being thrown and the portals of death began to open Stephen caught a vision of God (Acts 7). Stephen kept his head up when others would have ducked, if only instinctively to avoid the oncoming rocks.

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head (Psalms 3:3). When we get down, even when knocked down, God lifts our head. He holds our heads up. If our eyes wander or waver He is there to lift our eyes back up to Him. When things get difficult and we'd rather look away, He holds our head high so we can look to Him. Jars of Clay sing about this promise in God will lift up your head (one of my favourite songs).

Stephen understood that with his eyes fixed on the Rock of his salvation no other rocks could harm him. We too must look to Christ. He has promised to succor us, to be our "opportune rescue." So, to paraphrase Hebrews 10:22-23, Let's get close to God and trust Him with all we've got because He has promised to care for us, and He never fails His promises.