Develop Spiritual Insight
Bible passage: 2 Kings 6:8-17
“8. Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place." 9. The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10. So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places."
The factors that enabled human history to develop so remarkably include humanity’s effort to see better. There is a book dealing with this subject called ‘Insight Over Ability’. The effort to see better - this has created so many things. For example, eyeglasses were invented to correct weak eyesight. Eyeglasses are truly one of the most essential tools. If one cannot see the Bible or read text, how can one prepare a sermon?
There are glasses used for reading books, and for preaching, one must use multifocal glasses. Since one must look at the sermon manuscript while also looking at the congregation, multifocal glasses are necessary. Likewise, humanity’s desire to see further led to the invention of the telescope. To observe even the tiniest details, the microscope was invented. To see what is inside the body, which cannot be seen externally, X-rays were developed.
Thanks to such human efforts, people have been able to locate distant lands during voyages, monitor enemy movements in wartime, observe celestial bodies to prove the Solar System model, engage in space exploration, discover microorganisms and bacteria, advance the medical field, and contribute to life extension. In today’s scripture passage, the prophet Elisha not only had the ability to see the visible world but also had the insight to perceive the unseen spiritual realm. With this insight, he was able to resolve problems and fulfill his mission of saving the people.
Through this devotional service, I earnestly hope that all the servants of the Lord, workers, and believers will cultivate discernment to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, reality and illusion - so that they may fulfill their mission of saving souls, reviving the church, and restoring the nation.
1. One must develop the insight to see things that are not yet revealed in reality.
Insight refers to the ability to perceive the essence of life. It is the ability to discern the quality, truth, or value of things. People may have the same physical eyes, but they do not all see the same things. Differences in insight create differences in thinking, which lead to differences in choices, ultimately determining excellence. Developing insight to discern truth, authenticity, and value is a crucial factor in living a successful life.
In verse 17 of today’s passage, the word “eyes” appears. In Hebrew, it is ayin, which not only refers to the physical eyes that see external objects but also signifies the ability to observe, understand, and discern situations. The Bible teaches us not to judge by outward appearances. John 7:24 says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” We should not make judgments based solely on what is visible; rather, we need the insight to see beyond what is visible. Even Joshua once made a grave mistake by relying only on what was visible. In Joshua Chapter 9, when Israel was conquering the land of Canaan, most of the Canaanite tribes prepared to fight against them.
However, the Gibeonites devised a scheme to deceive the Israelites into believing they had come from a distant land and requested a peace treaty. When Joshua became suspicious, the Gibeonites lied and convinced him that they had traveled from far away. Lacking the insight to see beyond appearances, Joshua believed their words and was deceived into making a peace treaty with them, sparing their lives. Joshua 9:12-13 says, “This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But now see how dry and moldy it is.
And these wineskins that we filled were new, but see how cracked they are. And our clothes and sandals are worn out by the very long journey.” The American psychologist and expert in creativity research, Joy Guilford, defined insight as “the ability to generate various ideas from a new perspective regarding given objects or phenomena and to grasp situations effectively.” In his book, he presents four types of insight. * Keen sight refers to the sharp and precise observation of daily life and surroundings. * Cross sight is the ability to combine different fields to discover unexpected new domains. * Foresight is the ability to predict and anticipate the distant future.
* Insight is the ability to deeply perceive the hidden aspects of the world. No matter how much money one has, without insight, one cannot buy good clothes. Some people wear extremely expensive clothes, yet it is immediately visible that they lack an eye for fashion. On the other hand, someone with a keen sense of fashion can purchase cheap clothing and still create a style or a look that is priceless. Choosing a spouse in marriage is also a matter of insight. Getting married at too young an age is quite risky because marrying without the ability to discern people can lead to many regrets later. Entrepreneurs often say that business is not just about having money; it requires insight to see the deeper, unseen aspects of the market. The same applies to ministry. Ministry does not succeed without insight.
Imagine if I were to preach a sermon where the listeners already know everything I say - how disrespectful would that be? Why do people gather for sermons? They come to hear something from Scripture that they could not see on their own. Preparing a sermon involves insight. This is why seeking insight from God is so important. Insight is the ability to see what is not yet revealed. A biblical figure who failed due to a lack of this insight was Lot, the nephew of Abraham. In Genesis Chapter 13, when Abraham and Lot parted ways, Abraham graciously allowed Lot to choose his land first. Given this freedom to choose, Lot unfortunately selected the land of Sodom, which appeared prosperous on the surface but was ultimately a disastrous choice.
Genesis 13:10 says, “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” Many young people today make similar mistakes in marriage - choosing partners based only on external appearances and later regretting it. This is why I don’t think getting married late is a bad thing. It’s better to develop insight first before making such a crucial decision. One should not rush into marriage without the ability to discern people. If one lacks insight, they should either wait until they gain it or seek help from those who have it. Asking spiritually discerning and insightful parents to help choose a spouse can also be a safe approach.
In 1867, when Russia offered to sell Alaska to the U.S. government, the thenSecretary of State, William Seward, led the purchase. The U.S. acquired Alaska for $7.2 million. That amounted to just 5 cents per hectare - practically a giveaway. However, at the time, many congressmen and journalists strongly opposed the deal, mocking it as a wasteful purchase of frozen, useless land. Despite the criticism, the purchase went through, and later, Alaska was found to be rich in gold, oil, coal, and other valuable natural resources, becoming one of America’s most profitable territories. Additionally, from a geopolitical perspective, during the Cold War when the U.S. was engaged in military competition with the former Soviet Union, Alaska played a crucial strategic role.
The ability to deploy missiles right at the enemy’s doorstep demonstrated its immense military significance. It is worth paying attention to the speech given by Secretary William Seward when he persuaded Congress to approve the purchase of Alaska. He said, “I am not looking at the snow-covered land of Alaska when I propose to buy it. I am looking at the limitless treasure hidden within it. I am not buying this land for our generation. I am buying it for the next generation.” This generation needs leaders with such great insight. Today, as the servants of the Lord and workers dedicate themselves in this service, I hope they will become leaders with spiritual discernment - able to see beyond what is visible. How can one develop such great insight?
By hearing and learning the Gospel of holiness, seeking wisdom from above, and praying fervently, one can acquire this insight. James 3:17-18 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” May all the servants of the Lord, workers entrusted with caring for many souls, those striving to bless others, those committed to church revival, those dedicated to African missions, as well as believers leading their families and managing their workplaces, cultivate strong spiritual insight.
2. To develop spiritual insight, one must effectively utilize the imagination of faith.
The main character in today’s passage, the prophet Elisha, had his spiritual insight opened and effectively utilized the imagination of faith. The background of this passage is a war between Northern Israel and Aram, where the king of Aram repeatedly attempted surprise attacks. A surprise attack is meant to strike when the enemy is off guard. However, every time the Arameans launched an attack, the Israelites already knew in advance and positioned themselves at key locations, causing the Aramean strategies to fail repeatedly. As the Aramean king continued to experience failed ambushes, he became desperate and sought to uncover the reason behind it. Verse 12 says, ““None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”” Here, the phrase “Only the prophet Elisha in Israel” is crucial.
It was not Israel’s military power or intelligence that was preventing Aram’s success. The key factor was a single man - Elisha - who had spiritual discernment and insight. How was Elisha able to know even the words spoken in the Aramean king’s bedroom? It was not because he had exceptional hearing that could catch distant conversations. Rather, it was because God, who knows all things, moved him through the Spirit of God, revealing these things to him. 2 Chronicles 24:20 says, “Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has forsaken you.’ ”” The Spirit of God moved the prophet Zechariah, enabling him to hear God’s word.
In the New Testament, this Spirit of God refers to the Holy Spirit. Even today, God continues to speak to us - through the Holy Spirit and even through angels. But why do many people fail to hear Him? Elisha could hear, but his servant could not. Why? If you turn on a radio but there is too much signal interference, you cannot hear the broadcast. Similarly, if we cannot hear God’s voice today, it is because the noise of sin creates interference in our hearts. To hear Him clearly, we must remove the interference. Sin and worldly distractions drown out God’s voice. Instead of saying, “I wish God would speak to me,” we must remove sin, abandon evil, let go of fleshly thoughts, and circumcise our hearts. In Kenya, there seem to be many self-proclaimed prophets. The Bible calls them false prophets. Those who have not circumcised their hearts and attained holiness only hear distorted, fleshly voices.
Listening to such false voices is like the blind leading the blind into a pit. Luke 6:39 says, “He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” In today’s passage, Elisha teaches us that spiritual insight - faith’s imagination - is essential. After hearing God's word, Elisha envisioned the Aramean army secretly dispatching their troops. He then sent Israelite soldiers in advance, allowing them to defeat the Arameans. Just as he had imagined in faith, Israel emerged victorious. Neville Goddard, recognized as one of the greatest metaphysical lecturers of the 20th century, argued that imagination plays a creative role in shaping reality. He stated, “The world we live in is a world shaped by imagination. Life itself is also the result of imagination.
One must deeply realize that success and failure in life are not based on material things but on imagination.” Without first transforming the inner world through imagination, external change cannot occur. Faith is believing in the impossible. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” If you want to change your circumstances, you must not be confined by what you see. Instead, use the imagination of faith to envision yourself in a blessed and answered state. Believe that you will receive blessings and answers, rejoice, and be happy. What one sees and how far one sees determine one’s life. We must overcome a narrow perspective and broaden our vision.
That is why we must use the imagination of faith to develop spiritual insight. Elisha, even while sitting in his room, was able to perceive all the movements of the Aramean army dispatched by their king. He repeatedly informed the king of Israel, enabling successful defense strategies. This was possible because Elisha had spiritual insight and utilized the imagination of faith. Inspired by God, Elisha foresaw the defeat of the Aramean army and rejoiced in the certainty of Israel’s victory. Likewise, when we pray and believe, we must be confident that what we ask for will come to pass. We must rejoice and be glad because faith inherently includes joy and the assurance of a happy outcome. I also use the imagination of faith to receive blessings and answers, as it is a key way to develop spiritual insight. Recently, I traveled to Seoul to attend the funeral service of Manmin Prayer Center Director Mrs. Bok-nim Lee.
During my visit, I spoke with Senior Pastor, Dr. Soo-jin Lee about African missions. I shared that once our Nairobi Manmin Church sanctuary is built, we can then support the construction of branch sanctuaries. Afterward, we can establish churches across Africa’s 54 nations and appoint pastors, making African missions much easier. The Senior Pastor was very pleased with this vision. Thus, I now envision our church sanctuary as already completed. I embrace it in faith, believing it has already come to pass, and I rejoice in it. Although building a church is no simple task, just thinking about it fills my heart with excitement, joy, and happiness. This is how one develops spiritual insight - by imagining in faith and receiving answers and blessings accordingly. What did the shepherd boy David do that enabled him to rise from a humble shepherd to a great king of a nation? At times like this, what is needed is the imagination of faith. David had Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” “The Lord is my shepherd.” Just as David diligently led his sheep to green pastures and cared for them, he believed that God, as his shepherd, would surely take care of him as well. This was David’s imagination of faith.
This was the key secret that made David a king. Other shepherds could only see what was in front of them - grass, trees, sheep, and mountains. While the other shepherds were merely following their sheep all day, lamenting their dull, boring and monotonous lives, David had an insight that allowed him to see beyond the green pastures. He says in Psalm 23:2-3, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” "As I feed my sheep, the Lord, my shepherd, feeds, clothes, and guides me." This imagination of faith enabled David to live a joyful and fulfilling life even in the barren wilderness.
Are you going through difficulties in life? Then, develop the imagination of faith. Your spiritual insight must continue to be restored so that you can see beyond your current circumstances and envision the kingdom of God. Even elderly believers, with spiritual insight and the imagination of faith, can accomplish great things just like the young. If one only looks at their aging and weakening body, they may think that their time is up and that there are no more dreams to pursue. However, if one envisions God, who is beyond the green pastures, working within them, hope and courage arise with the belief that “My life does not end like this.” Most shepherds only saw grass, trees, and sheep - a monotonous and uneventful life. But David, even in that same environment, saw the God beyond the green fields. Living with the dream of the Lord being his shepherd, David continuously painted a picture of faith without limitations, and ultimately, that vision became his reality.
A young man was once involved in a severe car accident that left him completely paralyzed. His injuries were so critical that he was on the verge of death. However, his faithful mother, instead of weeping in despair upon seeing her son’s broken body wrapped in bandages, began taking pictures of him. A companion asked, "Why are you taking pictures? Your son is critically injured and barely alive!" She responded, "I firmly believe that God will heal my son. I am taking these pictures so that when God heals him, I will have proof of His power and a testimony to share." Just as she had envisioned, God miraculously healed her son. This mother had spiritual insight and used the imagination of faith, which led her to take action in accordance with her belief. Elisha’s young servant, overcome with fear at the dire situation, said in verse 15, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” However, Elisha, who had spiritual insight and used the imagination of faith, responded in verse 16, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Even if you are lying down, paralyzed, do not be afraid - God is at work. No matter how difficult the situation, do not be distressed - God is helping you. May all servants of the Lord, workers, and believers develop spiritual insight and the imagination of faith, so that they can confidently declare these words in any circumstance.
3. Develop the insight to see reality, not illusions. Having physical insight is important, but how much greater would it be to also perceive the spiritual realm?
This is because the spiritual world is the true reality. Even though humanity has invented microscopes and eyeglasses, there is still one thing that remains invisible - the spiritual world. To see the spiritual world, one must develop spiritual insight, but this is not something that can be achieved simply by wearing glasses. When the king of Aram sought to capture the prophet Elisha, he sent a large army with horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha lived. In the same situation, Elisha and his servant had completely different reactions. Elisha’s young servant was terrified, while Elisha confidently declared, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” How could their responses be so different?
Why was one man in despair, crying out in fear, while the other remained calm and assured? The reason for this contrast is that Elisha had spiritual insight - his spiritual eyes were opened, allowing him to see the unseen spiritual reality. Which is the true reality - the physical world or the spiritual world? 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This verse tells us that the visible world is temporary - an illusion - whereas the unseen spiritual world is eternal and real. I have explained this before using scientific reasoning, but let me summarize it again. All matter, when broken down to its smallest unit, consists of atoms. An atom has a nucleus at its center, with electrons orbiting around it.
However, the space between the nucleus and the electrons is mostly empty vacuum. Even though our eyes cannot perceive it, if we use a high-powered electron microscope, we can see that all physical objects in this world are mostly empty space - they are, in essence, an illusion. The soldiers, horses, and chariots sent by the king of Aram were mere shadows - illusions, while the true reality was the fiery horses and chariots sent by God. Verse 17 says, “And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” What is visible to the physical eye is not everything. Behind the scenes, God is present, and His fiery horses and chariots are at work. This is the true reality. Many people live in fear because they cannot see this reality. Like Elisha’s servant, those whose spiritual eyes remain closed and can only see the physical world - an illusion - live in despair, anxiety, and fear.
Everything in this world is a temporary illusion. Just as Elisha’s young servant trembled in fear when he saw the Aramean army surrounding them, many people today live in fear and distress when difficulties seem to close in on them. However, these things are not the true reality. They are illusions. If we become overwhelmed by fear due to difficulties, we are like Elisha’s servant - frightened by something that is not real. It is like being scared of a ghost that does not exist. The following is a story of illusion vs. reality. One night, a man was walking alone on a deserted hillside road while it was lightly raining. There were rumors that this remote road was haunted by ghosts on rainy nights. As he carefully made his way through the darkness, he suddenly saw something fluttering on a large tree branch ahead. Because it was dark and rainy, he became terrified, thinking that a ghost had appeared.
His hair stood on end, his legs trembled, and he could hardly walk. After gathering his courage, he slowly moved closer and took a careful look. To his relief, it was not a ghost - it was just a black plastic bag caught on a tree branch, fluttering in the wind. This man had been scared of an illusion - a meaningless shadow. How often do we fear illusions? Many times in life, we misunderstand, fight, become enemies, fear, and lose hope because we are reacting to illusions, not reality. Do you know about the "Mock Funeral" therapy program? Many churches in Korea use this program during summer or winter retreats. In this activity, two coffins are placed in a room, and people who have been in conflict - such as parents and children or husbands and wives - are paired together.
They are told to imagine that they have died. Before entering the coffin, each person writes a farewell letter - a final message to their loved one. For example: a husband writes to his wife, and the wife writes to her husband. Parents write to their children, and children write to their parents. Then, they lie inside the coffin, and the lid is closed, leaving them in complete darkness for about 20 minutes. Inside the coffin, they reflect on their lives, thinking: “I am dead now.” This deep reflection often brings tears, regret, and repentance.
This exercise is very effective - even the most stubborn hearts are almost always softened. “I was wrong. If I had known I would die so soon, if I had known my mother would pass away this early, if I had known my husband, my wife would leave so soon, I would not have complained, gotten angry, or fought over meaningless things.” With these thoughts, tears flow, and deep regret sets in. Sometimes, this kind of event is held during middle school, high school, or youth retreats. Perhaps our church has done it as well? Have you never experienced it? Everything in this world is an illusion, yet people cry, despair, and lose hope because of it. But now, may you turn your eyes toward the true reality - God, heaven, and New Jerusalem. Instead of being overwhelmed by the suffering that this fleeting world brings, may you overcome with the assurance that the grace God gives is greater than any pain in this illusory world, and that His love far surpasses any disappointment this world offers.
Ephesians 1:17-18 says, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.” God opens the eyes of our spirit, ensuring that they do not grow dim, so that we may experience His great power. Why is spiritual insight not maintained? Why do the eyes of the heart remain dim? It is because people chase after sin, pleasure, material wealth, and vanity that come from this fleeting world instead of focusing on the true reality - God. Just as cleaning glasses allows one to see objects clearly and brightly, cleansing your heart will bring clarity and brightness to your life. A single sheet of paper is fragile - it tears easily. Do not be alarmed; this is all part of the message. A sheet of paper may seem insignificant, but if it is pasted onto a pulpit or a wall, no one can tear it.
We, too, are weak like paper. However, when we cling tightly to Jesus Christ, no one can tear us apart. Just as glue secures paper, we must attach ourselves firmly to the spiritual glue - the Gospel of holiness, God’s power, and fervent prayer - so that we remain unshaken. Last week, I attended the funeral of the Prayer Center director, who has now left us. But she did not depart empty-handed - she left something behind. What did she leave? She left behind fervent prayer and a love for souls, expressed through tears. Now, we must hold fast to the Gospel of holiness and God’s power that our emeritus senior pastor left us, and to the fervent prayer and love left to us by the Prayer Center director.
By firmly clinging to Jesus Christ, may our spiritual insight grow even deeper, may the eyes of our hearts become even brighter, and may we illuminate this world, which is growing darker with sin. May all the servants of the Lord, workers, and believers dedicating themselves in this service become lights that revive countless dying souls, In the name of the Lord, I bless you all. - END -
