"Night Vision"

“Night Vision”

Night vision goggles were invented in Germany during the 1930’s and used by the Axis Powers during World War II. What the Germans might not have known was that the U.S. was developing the same kind of instrument simultaneously. So whatever advantage the Germans thought they had was effectively neutralized. The same type of tool is still used today, most prominently by Special Forces. They’re available to civilians but some security experts feel they pose a risk to public safety. It’s likely this debate will continue.

We have a number of more conventional means to help us see when darkness falls. Our cars have headlights, many roads are illuminated by streetlights and we often keep flashlights close by. But even with these aids some feel nervous about walking or driving once the sun goes down. And artificial lighting covers only a limited area, which contributes to our uneasiness.

As David thought of God’s care for and presence with him he wrote, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:11-12). God’s prophet agrees (“…He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.”—Daniel 2:22). So God has no need for night vision goggles—He views all through His eyes of light.

So…is this good news or bad news? Both! We can take comfort that God is always with us, sees our needs and is ready, willing and able to help (“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry….”—Psalm 34:15). But it’s also sobering to think that nothing we say or do is beyond His notice (“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”—Hebrews 4:13, emphasis added). The certainty of our being answerable to God for our words and deeds ought to prompt us to think before speaking or acting (whether during the daylight hours or at night). So let’s heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul: “…Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus….” (Colossians 3:17). Day or night, we won’t go wrong if we do.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan