1541. The Open Window Explained

The Open Window Explained

"We have also the prophetic Word made sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed in your hearts, as unto a lamp that shineth in a dark place till the day dawn and the day-star arise" (2Pe_1:19, \1911 Bible).

It was through an open window that Daniel looked out toward Jerusalem. Perhaps the window itself may bear us a message.

1. The open window suggests to us the more sure Word of prophecy. God says that we should take heed to this more sure Word.

The prophetic Scripture places before our vision the wonderful things which lie before us.

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1Co_2:9). If the window of prophecy is closed, they are all lost to view. When, however, the window is open, we behold through the Spirit the deep things of God.

If it were not for the window of prophecy, we would know nothing of what lies beyond the grave, nothing of Heaven, nothing of the Lord's Return, of the thousand-year reign, of the Golden City, or of the exceeding riches of grace in the ages to come.

Let us often sit before the window of the prophetic Word, and look out that we may consider coming things.

2. The open window suggests the illuminating Spirit. If the window was prophecy, the open window is prophecy revealed. This revelation must come to us through the Spirit of Christ. He takes of the things of God and shows them unto us.

Let us not seek to understand prophecy by the natural mind, for the wisdom of this world understandeth not the things of God, "neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1Co_2:14).

3. The open window, with Daniel kneeling by it, suggests a picture of the saints seeking and searching the Prophets. What is more striking to us than this statement: "Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1Pe_1:10-11)?

There is nothing more acceptable to God than that faith which is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of the things not seen. There is nothing more pleasing to God than beholding His people sitting with their windows open toward Jerusalem.

Those who delight Him are those who receive at their face value the prophecies which He has given. His prophecies are no less than are His promises, and those who believe them honor Him. On the other hand, those who say, "Where is the promise of His coming?" those who draw back from the confidence of their hope: in them the Lord has no pleasure.

God was not ashamed to be called the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, because Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, believed God.

Abraham believed in that city whose builder and maker is God. Abraham believed in the resurrection from the dead. Abraham believed in the restoration of Israel to their own land.

Isaac believed in the blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning the things of God.

Jacob believed God and he prophesied that the scepter should not depart from Judah "until Shiloh come."

The patriarchs died in faith, not having received the promises, but they believed them. They saw them afar off, they were persuaded of them, and they embraced them. Therefore they all received the good report.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR