‘…think of what you were when you were called…’ 1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV
Jesus didn’t see people as losers, but as potential winners who’d lost their way. He ‘…was moved with compassion for them…’ (Mark 6:34 NKJV) He saw them through God’s eyes: not weeds, but potential roses. And His perspective, which is often different from ours, brought out the best in them. Where others saw a woman with five failed marriages, He saw a restored sinner who could reach others in Samaria. They saw a blind man; He envisioned someone who could see. They saw a cripple; He pictured a man picking up his mat and walking away. They saw Matthew as a reviled tax collector; He saw a future disciple. They dismissed Zacchaeus as a crook; Jesus recognised a searching heart. When His disciples saw costly perfume and unnecessary expense, Jesus recognised the sacrifice of a grateful heart. Others saw an impulsive fisherman; Jesus saw a leader who could build His church. Onlookers watched Roman soldiers mocking as they pounded nails into human flesh; Jesus saw blind men who didn’t know what they were doing. ‘Lord, help us to see!’ Paul says, ‘…think of what you were when you were called. Not many…were wise by human standards; not many were influential…[or] of noble birth.’ (1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV) Face it, you weren’t so wonderful before God turned you around, so stop judging others from your limited perspective and try to see them as God saw you. Work to bring out the best in them. Introduce them to the One who came to bring ‘…great joy to all the people’ (Luke 2:10 NCV)-no exceptions!
SoulFood: 1 Sam 5:1-6:16, Rev 11:15-19
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2011
