It is called “anthropomorphism.” Basically, it is a way of explaining an infinite being in finite terms. Better stated for this Lesson today … a way of describing our ineffable GOD to lowly human beings like us!
How else can one rectify Jesus’ Statement that “God is Spirit” (John 4:24) with other depictions of God in the Bible” Like the “Hand of the Lord” (Exodus 9:3), for example? Or the “Feet of the Lord” (Nahum 1:3)?
A Spirit has no hands or feet!
The answer … the Bible writers are following the Holy Spirit Word for Word as He uses various anthropomorphism to teach us about God the Father!
Now please understand … Jesus (God the Son) DOES have Hands and Feet! He being God made flesh! The whole Point of the Incarnation!
Now, finally … today’s Text Verse!
Psalm 123:1 … “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.”
“Looking unto Jesus,” Paul expressed it!
Yes, we are to be that occupied with our great God!
Jesus did this when He was on earth. Particularly as He prayed … “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father …” See John 17:1 for the Whole Verse.
But now … here’s the anthropomorphism.
The invisible God (Colossians 1:15) … with “Eyes!” Proverbs 15:3 … “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
I love this sterling example … “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 6:8
Deuteronomy 13:18, blunt but powerful … “Do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”
This is classic … “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
Add this one … “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Psalm 34:15
Now the New Testament, 1 Peter 3:12 … “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
I am to look unto Him, into His Eyes!
And … this is important … as I look to Him in submission and obedience … He promises: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8
God “guiding” me (the verb means “giving counsel, advice, purpose”) with His (singular) EYE!”
The Point of this Lesson … as I look to His Eyes (in communion and adoration and worship) … He in turn guides me with His Eye!
Anthropomorphism or not … I love that Thought!
(I cannot see His Glance, His Field of Vision, or receive His Guidance … unless I am first-of-all looking into His Eyes!)
Wow!
Let me go clean my glasses!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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