March 12, 2004



What Do You See? (part three)

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them because they were distressed and dispirited…”
(Matt 9:36)

Again, we are reminded that Jesus sees things differently than we do.

During these days, we are asking God to open our eyes to help us see past surface things. Together we are praying, “Oh, God, help me see the need of the heart.”

Could it be that we are so consumed with our agendas that we fail to notice their pain? Are we so focused on our lives that lost people become a frustration and an inconvenience? Can we pray that God will work in our hearts to help us see what these people need?

Recently, KK and I pulled up to an intersection behind a driver who was obviously lost. The lady who was driving the car first turned on her right blinker and then her left. The light turned green, and she pulled into the intersection and just sat there looking both ways. Then she pulled away, and, at a very, very, very slow speed, crept forward driving down the middle of the road until she finally pulled into a convenience store parking lot.

I would like to tell you that my first thought was, “Lady, I am so sorry you are lost.” But, that would be a lie. I had an agenda, and she was in my way. It took a minute for me to feel sorry for her, but, after all, I live here and knew how to get to my destination, but she was lost.

I need to see what Jesus sees. Listed below you will see how different versions of the Bible express His heart for lost people:

“He saw them distressed and dispirited.” (New American Standard)
“He saw them harassed and helpless.” (NIV)
“He saw they were confused and aimless.” (The Message)

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for being so consumed in my agenda that I fail to see what You see. Open my eyes and help me see the hurt and pain in the hearts of those who are lost. I pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen