August 27

Read: Matthew 16:21-23

The God of our Lord Jesus Christ… give unto you the spirit of wisdom… the eyes of your understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18).

Clarified Vision

How does entire sanctification fit us for more effective Christian service? One answer is that the man who is filled with the Holy Spirit sees more clearly the nature of God’s work. The closer we draw to Him, the more nearly our vision and our concerns become like God’s own.

One of the saddest chapters in the earthly life of Jesus was the failure of His followers to share His vision. When He began to tell them how He must suffer to accomplish God’s will, Peter challenged the Master: “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” In response Jesus said: “Out of my way, Satan!… you stand right in my path, Peter, when you look at things from man’s point of view and not from God’s” (Matthew 16:23, Phillips).

How different was Peter’s vision after Pentecost! He could now see that God might use even suffering to accomplish His purposes: “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will do right and entrust their souls to a faithful creator” (I Peter 4:19, R.S.V.).

Only when the Christian has been sanctified wholly does he have God’s full preparation for service. Only then do we begin to see clearly the purposes and methods of God. When we have had the eyes of our understanding enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit, we no longer challenge our Lord’s guidance. We accept His way in full confidence that it is right. With a Spirit-filled Peter, our Spirit-filled hearts gladly sing, “To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (I Peter 5:11).

Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

— Charles H. Scott