Altered Perspective

An Altered Perspective 

Psalms 1:3 
He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.  

Jerimiah 17:8 
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. 

What kind of tree are they talking about, anyway? And where is it—and is this water special in some way?  This kind of tree has roots that sink deep into the River of Life that flows from the heavenly throne.  It is the river of God’s love.  Paul teaches that being rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17-18) allows us to comprehend the endless dimensions of God’s realm altering our perception.  Our perception of reality comes into alignment with what He sees. We begin to walk in the light even as He is in the Light (1John 1:7).  In a sense, the perception of our world is turned upside down as we start seeing ourselves and others differently.

This is where our roots are meant to grow—not downward into the earth, but upward into the heavenlies. Such rooting transforms our perception. We were born on earth from our mother’s womb, but we must be born again—a birth from above, where we are firmly rooted in the heavenlies. Our roots are anchored in heaven, and our life flows from His. We are grounded in divine love, abiding in Him, and bearing abundant fruit, the kind of fruit that others long to taste. For we are here, not for ourselves, but for others.

This altered perception helps us to choose love even when it feels natural to hate, be offended, or become bitter. Only those whose roots are anchored in the living waters above can bear this kind of lasting fruit.  It's a supernatural lifestyle that becomes natural.This shift in perspective empowers individuals to respond with compassion in situations where hostility or resentment might otherwise be expected.

How will we know we have seen their angel? Angels are transparent.

When we begin to see others with love, understanding, and forgiveness, then we have seen an angel.

Vanya Moiseev: A Tree Planted by the Waters

In 1973, Vanya Moiseev, a young Romanian and soldier under the Communist regime died a martyr’s death.  It was prohibited to sing any songs about God or speak about Him.  Of course, Vanya was unable to abide by these laws.  He had a higher law—love.  He had roots in the waters of life. He was that tree whose leaves would not wither, he did fear the heat, was not anxious, and continually bore fruit even for his enemies to enjoy.  He would sing songs to the glory of God and share his faith in the barracks with his comrades.  For this, he was mocked, flogged, and finally stabbed in the heart.  When asked how he could not stop singing and sharing God’s love, he would say “God shows me their angel.  Angels are transparent.  If an angel stands before you with a man behind him, the presence of the angel does not keep you from seeing the man.  On the contrary, looking at a man through an angel makes him more beautiful.  I see my torturers through an angel. In this way, even they become lovable.” 

Vanya had an altered perception.  He saw through the angels because he was grounded and rooted in love.  He saw them from a heavenly perspective.  

The tree in these scriptures is not an ordinary tree like we see in our backyards or the park.  This tree is an “opposite” tree. Not of this earthly realm.  It is born out of a tested trust in Christ who loves you and says if you abide in Me you will bear much fruit (John 15:4).

The fruit is love for others.  We are trees rooted in His living waters bearing fruit that others may taste and see that He is GOOD. 

The Prayer Challenge:  Lord, alter my perception to see others as You see them. Show me their angel and let me see their intended beauty.  My roots are planted upward deep into Your River of Life, and I drink great draughts of living love.  I cannot be disconnected from You.  Let my life bear fruit that refreshes the weary, nourishes the hungry, and glorifies You. Amen.