Close-Up and Further-Out: Learning to See Clearly

by Nathan Shaw

It is well known that the more you look at something the more you see. Looking at something over an extended period of time, however, does not guarantee correct perception. If you look through a blue lens everything will appear blue no matter how long or hard you look. The only way to correct this wrong perception is to identify and remove the blue lens.

Focal length also seriously affects our view of reality. A close-up view of a person or situation can reveal minute details, but a further-out view can reveal threats, influences and forces that were not visible before. One of the most important things a person can do to improve perception is to train their spiritual eyes to see people and situations both close-up and further-out.

Some of the biggest mistakes in life happen when people only see a close-up or further-out view. Prophets also make serious mistakes when they only see a close-up or further-out view. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel learned to see both imminent judgment and far-off restoration. Without this dual vision they would not have stood steady in the most trying and intense situations.

Eyes are an incredible and intricate creation. They have muscles that quickly adjust focus from close to distant, or distant to close. As we get older, the ability of our eyes to adjust their focus weakens. There are, however, exercises that can strengthen the focus-adjusting muscles in the eyes. This means that eyes can be trained and strengthened through strategic and intentional use. That's why pride confidently asserts, “I see,” but humility says, “I see what I see, but I’m still learning to see more.” Here are three important keys for enhanced perception.

1. Identify and remove the lenses that color your vision.
2. Keep looking until the picture becomes clearer over time.
3. Train your eyes to look from both close-up and further-out perspectives.

The book of Revelation beautifully illustrates the importance of maintaining both a close-up and further-out perspective. In Revelation chapter 1 John has a close-up view of Jesus. It was so astonishing and over-powering that he fell flat on his face. In chapters 2 and 3 John sees Jesus standing among seven lampstands. The lampstands represent seven churches. Jesus gives intimate messages to each of the seven churches.

After this John sees a door standing open in heaven and hears a voice like a trumpet saying, “Come up here!” Immediately he is ushered into a divine council that is in session. God sits on His throne surrounded by living creatures and elders (Revelation 4-5). The seven seals, seven trumpets and seven bowls that follow in chapters 6 to 16 all issue from the divine council. The divine council scene gives John a further-out perspective about the events that are happening in the heavens and on the earth. Even the revelations about the dark side—dragons, beasts and harlots—are seen from the divine council perspective presented in chapters 4 and 5.

John went from an intimate, close-up view of Jesus speaking to each of the seven churches, to a vast, big picture view of events unfolding in the heavens and on the earth. There is a relationship between the intimate messages given to the seven churches and the big picture cosmic drama that unfolds in the chapters that follow. The revelations in the book of Revelation teach the seven churches the importance of having both a close-up and further-out view. Both views were necessary to navigate the times in which they lived. Both views were necessary to fully comprehend and understand the other.

The modern propensity toward a dispensational mindset has blinded many to the intricate connection between the messages to the seven churches and everything that flows from the divine council. The seven churches were part of an unfolding cosmic drama that was both exhilarating and dynamic. Understanding the cosmic drama added greater weight to the messages Jesus gave to each of the seven churches. From Genesis to Revelation there are many instances in which having both a close-up and further-out view was absolutely necessary to be an overcomer.

A new level of prophetic authority is about to manifest on the earth. Prophets who have been locked into a close-up view of people, situations and nations will start having further-out, big picture revelations. Prophets who have been locked into further-out, big picture views will start having close-up, intimate revelations. Both views are strategically important. One is not more important than the other. Whatever you are facing right now, ask God to train your eyes to see from both close-up and further-out. Like John, this will enable you to “prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings” (Revelation 10:11). 

© 2025 Nathan Shaw.

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