John 1: 43-51

In Monday’s beautifully written Blog, Simon Peter met Jesus. The writer insightfully transcribed how differently God views each one of us, from the way we perceive ourselves and each other. Today’s reading recalls the day Philip and Nathaniel came face to face with the Savior. As I read each word I was compelled to think about how we should look at others from a different point of view as well.

Philip acknowledged Jesus as “the one Moses wrote about in the Law.” Jesus foretold they would "see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Perhaps Jesus envisioned who was positioned where, when His final day came to pass. Philip and Nathaniel were in the crowd.

Think for a moment, how differently we would manage our lives if we knew certain things ahead of time.

If we were aware that our husband or wife would only be with us for one more year, how differently would we love? If we had the knowledge our daughter would be separated from us as an adult due to family conflict would we be sure to create more positive memories for her today? If we somehow knew that as we aged, our health would significantly deteriorate, would we live more boldly now?

As Nathaniel and Philip approached Jesus, Nathaniel declared; “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; the King of Israel.”  It was as though Nathaniel had a sense the others did not. He understood what and who Jesus was. From that moment on, Nathaniel lived his life differently.

Can we attempt to live in such a way? Gleaning from every moment, a sense of urgency regarding taking care of others as though they will not be with us tomorrow? To do so, we will need to take a heavenly viewpoint.

God, “Give Me Your Eyes.”

Read/Listen to John 1:43-50

View You-Tube video “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath

Give Me Your Eyes

Acts 11: 1-18

In those days, the Jews considered themselves the chosen people. They were the ones God loved and protected. All others were Gentiles, non-Jews, considered unclean, unworthy of the Lord’s grace and mercy. What made them think that just because others were not born into that elite group they were less than they, and not privileged to know the savior? What makes us think there are people in our world who do not deserve to be a child of God?

Even back in Genesis 12, the Lord spoke to Abraham saying “…all people on earth will be blessed through you.” He did not say those who are in a particular group or of specific status, but ALL PEOPLE. That means you, me, your ornery neighbor, the unborn child, old men and women across the globe, and the proclaimed atheist you see on television. This declaration was all inclusive.

I encourage you to journey through the next few days, keeping this in mind. No matter where you are, what or who you encounter, do your best to keep in the forefront of your mind that each and every person you come across is a child of God, welcome in His heavenly kingdom. Regardless of how rude the clerk may be, how uncaring your ex-wife may come across, or how self centered your teenager is, see them all as innocent children of the Lord with a purpose on this earth.

This reminds me of a strategy that was once shared with me regarding dealing with difficult people. I was told that when confronted in a negative or uncomfortable manner, I should view that person with no clothes on. This was not meant to be a perverted way to deal with a situation, but to be real about who people really are. We all came into this world the same way, naked and vulnerable, innocent and pure. It is the world that changes us, and pulls us away from that beautiful God given condition.

So, let’s be real, loving and accepting all people the way our God loves us. Ask the Lord to give you His eyes so you can see all people the way He sees us…..as His children.

Read/Listen to Acts 11:1-18

See and listen to "Give Me your Eyes" by Brandon Heath