Be Thou My Vision

Rediscovering Spiritual Vision

Insights from Chapter 1 of "The Eye of the Eagle"

In the opening chapter of David Adam's insightful book, "The Eye of the Eagle," readers are invited into a journey of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Through poignant reflections and profound insights, Adam explores the theme of vision both physical and spiritual “ and its crucial role in our relationship with God and understanding of the world around us.

Exploring the Chapter: 

Adam begins by recounting a powerful story of a man standing at the threshold of a new year, praying for divine guidance and illumination as he ventures into the unknown. In response, he hears a voice urging him to step out into the darkness, trusting in the guiding hand of God. This anecdote sets the tone for the chapter's exploration of the profound connection between faith and vision.

Drawing from biblical narratives such as the call of Samuel, Adam emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and receptivity to God's voice in our lives. He challenges readers to reflect on their own spiritual perception are we truly attuned to God's presence, or are we like blind men stumbling in the darkness?

Adam delves into the concept of God's indwelling presence, urging readers to recognize that God is not merely a possession or an external entity, but rather an intrinsic part of our being. He invites us to shift our perspective from seeking God in external visions to recognizing His presence within ourselves and the world around us.

Throughout the chapter, Adam highlights the importance of cultivating spiritual vision the ability to perceive God's handiwork in the beauty of creation and the intricacies of daily life. He draws upon the rich tradition of the Celtic Church, which revered St. John's gospel for its profound insights into the invisible realm of God's presence.

As we journey through the first chapter of "The Eye of the Eagle," David Adam offers a compelling invitation to rediscover the gift of spiritual vision. Through prayer, attentive listening, and a deepening awareness of God's presence, we can open our eyes to the divine mysteries that surround us. May we heed the call to step boldly into the unknown, trusting in God's guiding hand to lead us safely on our journey of faith.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Eye of the Eagle

Discovering Spiritual Clarity: 

A Journey through "The Eye of the Eagle" by David Adam

For over 12 centuries, the Celtic hymn "Be Thou My Vision" has resonated deeply with believers around the world, expressing a profound longing for God's guidance and presence. In his illuminating book, "The Eye of the Eagle," David Adam takes readers on a transformative journey through the timeless wisdom encapsulated within this beloved hymn. Drawing from Celtic spirituality and the rich heritage of Christian faith, Adam unveils the spiritual treasures hidden within each verse of the hymn, inviting readers to cultivate a deeper relationship with God in their daily lives.

"Thou My Vision"

 The journey begins with an exploration of the hymn's opening verse, which expresses a heartfelt plea for God to be the guiding vision in the believer's life. Adam delves into the significance of seeking divine guidance and surrendering to God's will, setting the stage for the spiritual journey that lies ahead.

"Lord of My Heart"

 In this chapter, Adam reflects on the profound truth that God is not only the ruler of the external world but also the Lord of the innermost depths of the heart. He explores the importance of inviting God to reign supreme over every aspect of one's being, shaping thoughts, desires, and actions.

 "All Else But Not" 

Adam delves into the theme of surrendering worldly attachments and distractions in pursuit of a deeper communion with God. He emphasizes the need to prioritize God above all else, recognizing that true fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in Him.

 "Thou My Best Thought" 

This chapter explores the transformative power of fixing one's mind on God, allowing His truth and goodness to permeate every thought and decision. Adam encourages readers to make God their foremost priority, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life.

"Thy Presence My Light" 

In this chapter, Adam delves into the theme of God's illuminating presence, which dispels the darkness of ignorance and fear. He encourages readers to cultivate a deep awareness of God's presence in their lives, finding comfort and guidance in His light.

 "Be Thou My Wisdom" 

Adam reflects on the hymn's invocation of God as the ultimate source of wisdom, guiding and illuminating the believer's path. He explores the transformative impact of seeking divine wisdom in navigating life's challenges and uncertainties.

 "Thou My Great Father" 

Adam reflects on the intimate relationship between the believer and God, who is not only a divine ruler but also a loving and nurturing Father. He explores the profound sense of security and belonging that comes from knowing God as a caring parent.

 "Thou My Whole Armor" 

This chapter explores the theme of spiritual protection and empowerment found in God alone. Adam emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength and provision, equipping oneself with the armor of faith to withstand life's trials and temptations.

"Great Power of My Power" 

Adam reflects on the hymn's acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of strength and sustenance. He explores the transformative impact of relying on God's power rather than relying on human strength or worldly resources.

"My Treasure Thou Art" 

In this chapter, Adam explores the theme of God as the ultimate treasure, whose presence brings true fulfillment and joy. He encourages readers to cultivate a deep appreciation for the richness of God's love and grace, recognizing Him as the greatest treasure of all.

 "Thou Heaven's Bright Sun" 

The journey culminates with an exploration of God's radiant presence, which illuminates the believer's life with hope and joy. Adam reflects on the hymn's portrayal of God as the source of light and life, shining brightly in the darkness of the world.

In "The Eye of the Eagle," David Adam invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of spiritual discovery, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Celtic hymn "Be Thou My Vision." Through insightful reflections and practical insights, Adam illuminates the path to deeper communion with God, reminding us that true fulfillment and purpose are found in seeking His presence above all else. As we journey through the pages of this inspiring book, may we open our hearts to the transformative power of God's love and light, allowing Him to be our vision, our wisdom, and our greatest treasure.

Soli Deo Gloria

Spiritual Abandonment

My God, my God, why have you deserted me?

“Then about that time Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” 

which means, “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?”

 ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27:46‬ ‭CEV‬‬

There have been a few times in my life when I have witnessed the time when a person was informed of the death of a loved one. The heart rending cry that shocks the day lights out of those standing around is quite upsetting. Psalm 22 was a very special Psalm of David as it was also used by Jesus as a lament as He hung on the cross. It may have been written while David was being pursued by Saul or one of the enemies of the Nation of Israel? Today it is considered by many as a prophetic messianic masterpiece by David. The Psalm sets the mood of Jesus as He hung on the cross. We walk through a sense being wrapped up in darkness as the psalmist goes through a path of intense torment and test. Does God allow us to suffer even when we trust in Him? Christ’s cry from the cross is also a reminder to us, that even when we go through trials and dilemmas it is alright to call out to God. It is acceptable to question God for why we are in that particular predicament or sunk so low. 

 

The astounding parallel to David’s Psalm and Jesus’ trials in the gospels is certainly a prophetic revelation of God’s truth being fulfilled. David says in verse 7 of the Psalm 22 that all who look at him mock him. The soldiers stripped off Jesus’ clothes and put a scarlet robe on Him (Mathew 27:27-31). Then they made a crown of thorns and put it on his head and mocked him, screaming, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they beat Him and spat on Him. Further in Mathew 27:39 it says all those who passed by Jesus on the cross hurled insults at him and shook their heads in mockery.

David says in verse 8 of Psalm 22 that His persecutors mocked Him saying, “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him.” This is precisely what some of the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.”

David says in verse 16 of Psalm 22, “The assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.” It was a helplessness that David senses that prophetically Jesus felt as He was crucified on the cross (Mathew 27:35). David says in verse 18 of Psalm 22, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” This is the scripture that Mathew quoted as he wrote, “They parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.(Mathew 27:35)”

There are many who would like to believe that when Jesus bore the sins of the world, His relationship with God that was formed way before the beginning of creation was severed or plunged into spiritual darkness. It was a point of crisis where Jesus was groping in darkness and was left with a sense of spiritual abandonment. It was not just spiritual darkness but also at noon to three o’ clock the whole land was plunged into darkness. It was then that Jesus screamed, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? If this is the way God willed Christ to die for us, God truly must have loved us greatly to allow this to happen to Christ. So also, Christ’s love for us is also greatly expressed by what he suffered on the cross for all of us.

Did Christ really think that God would abandon him (John 16:32)? Christ had warned his disciples of the impending betrayal and death. (Luke 18:31; cf. John 12:27). A change in the mood is seen from verse 22 onwards, where the Psalmist is comforted that God has heard his prayer. A prayer of thanks and praise for the experience of the presence of God. Rather than wallow in self pity He finds comfort in God’s presence that has never failed him in his time of need. A strong relationship on God is built not by being lost in the present situation but trusting in God’s past provision and hope in his abounding mercy and grace. This is a Psalm that calls us to live true to our calling with God. Whatever may be the trials we face God is asking us to endure the suffering and be strong in times of adversity. It is raising ones line of vision from present trial to the peace we have with God. It is finding comfort in the midst of tribulation.

Suffering Servant

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah‬ ‭53:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today many of us Christians drive in cars, wear nice clothes, and live in beautiful homes. Yet Jesus our leader had no where to lay His head. The path that he chose was a path of simplicity and poverty. His 3 year ministry was nomadic and was probably a stranger to many in his early part of His ministry. He most likely did not have any worldly possessions, like a donkey or a horse. He almost certainly had only two or three sets of clothes and the sandals he wore. Isaiah says, "He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” If He were to pass by us, would we recognize Him? Is there anyone alive today who can tell us what Jesus really looked like? Was it really important to us what He looked like? Probably because everybody grew beards, Judas had to be paid to identify Jesus after sundown.

We know more about the spiritual image of Jesus than his physical appearance. His spiritual beauty that was calm, peaceful, gentle, loving and compassionate was outstanding. Isaiah 7:14 says, “a virgin shall conceive a child and He shall be called Immanuel (God with us).” That is what Christ was a fulfillment of this oft repeated prophesy. God with us. Following the ascension of Christ, early Christians came to sense the joy of Christian living, by surrendering all they had to live in communities that loved and cared for each other. This living presence of Christ is still seen today in the life of those who surrender themselves to Him to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

When the movie Passion was being released many of us were fearful of going and seeing the movie because of the dehumanizing graphic violent scenes being portrayed on the screen. Did the director Mel Gibson exaggerate the suffering that Jesus went through? Was the focus more on the brutal violence or the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? The beating that Jesus endured in the movie would probably have killed him even before He was nailed to the cross. Which is more important the suffering and death of Jesus or his new life and resurrection? Haven’t there been many innocent people who have endured brutal scourging and death before and after Jesus? What sets Jesus apart from the rest (Luke 22:19-20)?

When Jesus was led away from the whipping chambers, he was presumably bleeding and in great pain. The words of Isaiah prophesied with astounding precision, "He was so marred that it was hard to recognize Him (Isaiah 52:13- 53:9).” When Jesus repeated this prophesy before his crucifixion for the third time, the disciples did not understand what He meant (Luke 18:31-34). God greatly glorified Jesus for the suffering He endured on the cross. The way Jesus chose was not won by toppling the Roman rule on Israel, but through suffering, pain, torment, and death on the cross. What seemed like an eminent defeat was declared a victory when Jesus rose from the dead.

“He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well. All of us were like sheep that had wandered off. We had each gone our own way, but the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved.” Isaiah‬ ‭53:5-6‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Jesus suffered and died for us so that we may enjoy the riches of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:22-28). God so loved the world that He sent Jesus so that we may be saved through Him and have everlasting life (John 3:16). It is like a family name, property, and traits which we inherit down through generations. We are identified by our family name. So also at the name of Jesus all of us have been invited to become a part of the family of God and have been given the gift of everlasting life. Isaiah 53:5 says with amazing precision about the reason for Jesus’ suffering, “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the punishment that brought our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Today we can affirm with all our fellow believers the words of Paul from Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Jesus: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Jesus lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Light of the World

On Palm Sunday we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as King (John 12:12-19). The people hailed him as King and greeted him by waving palm branches. They had just witnessed the miraculous raising from the dead of Lazarus and were convinced that the scriptures had been fulfilled (John 11:38-43). This mighty miracle had persuaded them that Jesus had the power to redeem them from the oppression of the Roman rule. The Pharisees were flabbergasted and angrily mumbled that the whole world had gone after Jesus.

Some Greeks came to see Jesus following his ride into Jerusalem at the home of Philip (John 12:20-36). Their request was, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." How many of us have this deep desire in our hearts? What do you see in your heart and mind when you try to imagine what Jesus looks like? Do you see Him as a light to those walking in darkness?

Jesus spoke to them by saying that unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies it will be alone. But its death will produce many kernels of wheat (John 12:24-25). This parable beautifully illustrates Christ power over death. He showed us that he had to die for us all so that we maybe raised to life in Him. Jesus went on to say that, "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor."

When Jesus prayed that God the Fathers name may be glorified, a voice thundered from heaven to the amazement of all saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again" (John 12:28). Jesus went on to prophesy about his death saying, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to me." Did they really understand that Christ was speaking of his death on the cross and his resurrection? Did they understand that Christ was prophesying about being the Savior of all the world?

They were confused and asked who Jesus was talking about because they believed that the Messiah would live forever and could not understand why Jesus was prophesying death. To which Jesus said, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." Are you walking in the light or in the darkness. Do you know where you are going? Jesus is calling you to serve Him and draw close to the Light of the World.

Gentle Servant

When Christ healed the man with the deformed hand on Sabbath the Pharisee's were up in arms (Matthew 12:9-21). They cried out that the Jesus was a law breaker. He had done work on the Sabbath. The rules that the Pharisees so faithfully professed to follow, had overlooked the dire need of those sick and suffering. The law did not show grace to those who were deprived, deformed, hurting, hungry, or poor. Success in our world today is determined by how much power we have. We live in a Society that’s strives for power and not equality.

In our mad rush to attain power we will resort to any means necessary to gain power. We beg, borrow, or even steal to attain it. If we look at our political leaders they will say anything in order to be elected. They justify it by saying, they represent the people, and want to do what they think is best for the people. Truth and justice are sidelines for winning power and prestige in the world. The unfortunate state of affairs is when leaders come to power and become proud and narcissistic. They eventually exploit the ones they have power over and accuse their adversaries.

To their treacherous accusations Christ answered them with a small parable. If one of us had a sheep and it fell into a hole on Sabbath would we abandon it? We would definitely pull it out. So also Christ our Good Shepherd will never let go of our hands. He will gently lead us and guide us through our life journey. Just as He healed the deformed hand, He will restore our deformed lives.

This act of compassion enraged the Pharisee's so much that they wanted to kill Jesus. When Jesus came to know of their plans He just left that place; for the time had not come for Him to die. He also warned the people to not tell others who He was lest they follow after Him just to be healed, or to make Him their leader to revolt against the Roman Empire. Do we follow Christ to get ahead in this world or to build the Kingdom of God?

Lent is a time when we reflect on Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Just as Christ could heal the hand of a man that was deformed, so also has He promised that He will raise us up from the dead just as He raised Himself up from His grave by the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul in Romans 6:19-23 tried to make us understand our relationship with Christ by saying, that just as we used to offer ourselves to be servants of wickedness let us now offer our selves to Christ as servants of righteousness that leads to a holy and an eternal life. This is God's gift to us all, an eternal life in Christ. Christ was very gentle and kind to every body. He could easily have attacked the Pharisees with his divine powers. Yet He endured their mocking and deception and gently tried to make the whole world come to a new and strong relationship with the living God (Isaiah 42:1-9).