Don’t Look

Don’t Look

“Who is blind but My servant? or deaf as My messenger that I send? Who is blind as he that is at peace with Me, and blind as the Lord’s servant?” Isa. 42:19.

These words were spoken primarily of the Lord Jesus, the pattern Servant, who humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross; but they also describe those who have followed Him to Calvary, found peace with God through His blood, and accepted His Cross as theirs. Those who are joined to Him as the Living One and, through the supply of His Spirit, seek to walk in His steps, not looking at the outward appearance of things around, nor judging after the sight of the eyes, nor deciding after the hearing of the ears. (Isa. 11:3.)

The life in union with the Risen Lord means that we are willing to be “blind” and “deaf” to all but God. Seeing with the outward eyes, but inwardly unmoved because of the heavenly vision. Hearing with the outward ears, but deaf to all voices because of the inward voice of God.

How are we to maintain this blessed blindness essential to those who would be faithful in all his house? God gives us some of the conditions by the mouth of Isaiah.

“He that . . . stops his ears . . . and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; your eyes shall see the King.” Isa. 33:15,17.

We must learn to stop our ears and shut our eyes if we are to live day by day seeing the King and be honoured to carry His messages.

“Don’t look” at anything God has forbidden.

“This woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and . . . she took.” Gen. 3:6. The eyes need vigilant keeping if we are to walk in the light as He is in the light, under the sprinkled blood. The victory must be won over the first look. Not one glance must be permitted when the enemy tempts. Don’t look even at books that you are not sure about. God will keep us if we shut our eyes!

“Don’t look” at the earthly difficulties.

“Saul said, ‘When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come . . . and that the Philistines gathered against me . . .’” 1 Sam. 13:11-12.

It is fatal to look around and at consequences, especially in times of crisis, or it will be impossible to be still, and wait God’s time for Deliverance. “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them . . .” (Matt. 14:25.) It is always His way. God is never behind time! However dark the path may be, wait; do not go before Him, don’t “force yourself” like Saul. Shut your eyes and trust. “The crisis demands action,” we say! Nay, “dwell in stillness and wait for clearness”—wait until you are sure of the will of God and leave the “Philistines” to Him.

“Don’t look” at the threats of the enemy.

“Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, ‘So let the gods do to me . . . if I do not make your life as the life of one of them.’ When he saw that, he arose and went for his life.” 1 Kings 19:2-3.

The mighty prophet of Mount Carmel fleeing at a woman’s threats! He only looked at the enemy, listened, and fled from his post. Don’t look at the roaring lion, or flesh and heart must fail! Hide in God and stand unflinchingly in Him. “Stand still and see the salvation of God.”

“Don’t look” at another’s circumstances.

“I was envious . . . when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood.” Ps. 73:3,17.

How many have questioned the strange dealings of God, that affliction comes to His children, and apparent freedom from trial to the children of this world. Asaph said his feet had well-nigh slipped because he looked and envied. It was after he went into the “Sanctuary” that he was able to see things in their true light and said, “there is none upon earth I desire beside you.” “Don’t look” at others’ circumstances, temporarily or spiritually, and admit one doubt of your Father’s love. “Whom the Lord loves He chastens.” (Heb. 12:6)

“Don’t look” at the stormy sea.

“Peter walked on the water . . . But when he saw the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’” Matt. 14:29-30.

The walk on the water is just a picture of the walk of faith in blessed blindness. It is only possible as long as we “don’t look” at temptation but keep under the sprinkled blood; “don’t look” around and admit fear of the Philistines: “don’t look” at the roaring lion and be frightened from the post of duty; “don’t look” at others and admit a doubt of our Father’s faithfulness.

“Looking into Jesus” He will uphold us, and we shall walk in triumph on the stormy sea. We shall endure as seeing Him Who is invisible.

“You whom I have taken hold of . . . fear not, for I am with you; look not around you, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you.” Isa. 41:9-10.