What we see

“For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Luke 10:24
Jesus is talking to His disciples here about His own ministry. For centuries - in fact right back to Adam and Eve – people had been looking forward to the coming of Messiah. In Jesus’ day, some of the people recognised Him for who He was, but others (notably the Pharisees and Sadducees) did not. Imagine waiting all that time and then missing the boat.
It’s the same thing today. The author of the book of Hebrews tells us, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Heb. 11:39-40). The Old Testament saints could not go directly to heaven, because their sin had not been paid for by Jesus Christ. But now our sins have been paid for, and we can enjoy the assurance of salvation if we are in Him.
There’s another aspect to this too. As we look at the world around us, we can’t help but think that the ssecond coming is close. Israel has been restored as a nation. The ecumenical movement is on the rise. Nations are coming together as one. And ‘the love of many’ is growing cold. Indeed, many saints have longed to see this day, and we’re in it. Don’t miss the boat.