March 13, 2004


What do you see? (part four)

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

We have asked God to open the eyes of our heart. We have asked Him to help us see the needs of those who are lost. Let's continue to let God teach us as we ask Him to help us see what Jesus sees!

Jesus looked way beyond the outer garments and saw the hurt inside. They were distressed…he could see it in their faces. They were dispirited…there was an empty look in their eyes.

This week, as we have talked with the group on a Mission Trip in Moscow, the Calvary Students keep commenting on the empty look in the eyes of the Russian people. (By the way, pray for them today as they travel back to the U.S.). We keep hearing: "They are so sad and their eyes show so much pain."

Chances are, if we will slow down and look, we won't have to go to Russia to see it. We Americans cover it up quite well with our possessions and busyness. But, it's still there. Let's take a closer look.

Is that teenager's out-fit just a passing rebellious fad, or could it be a cry for love and acceptance?

What about that man? Is that harsh countenance an expression of anger, or could it be the frustration of fruitless efforts to find satisfaction? Is he mad or is he wondering: "Is this all there is to life?"

Look at that impatient mother standing in line at the check-out stand. Does she need to learn patience or could it be that she is alone, tired and afraid?

God wants us to learn to "see" as He sees, to feel the love that He feels for those who don't know Him. He wants us to be motivated by what we "see" to let Jesus minister through us. Are you willing to look beyond what you see outwardly and try to see others as God sees them? Will you let God motivate you through what you see? Learn to pray as you walk through life and see people, the way Jesus sees them. Maybe today you need to speak a word of encouragement to someone, to reach out in love to someone you might otherwise avoid.

Father, let me see what You see as I look around me. Open my eyes to see it, my heart to feel it, and my mouth to speak a kind word when You give me an opportunity.

I pray this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.