I stumbled on something while studying the Scripture.
The journey began in the book of Genesis where Sarai rejects Hagar after she becomes impregnated by Abram (even though it was what Sarai really wanted–yet another reminder that one of God’s most gracious answers in our lives is “no”). Hagar runs for her life and has an encounter with God.
In one of the most endearing passages, Hagar names God. No other woman names God in the Pentateuch. She titles God, The God Who Sees.
Flash forward a few thousand years, and God’s Son, Jesus is strolling the earth placing God’s heart on display everywhere He goes. That’s when I was struck by how many times throughout the Gospels that often when Jesus heals, instructs, teaches, raises from the dead, and performs all kinds of miracles, the moment begins with Jesus seeing someone.
In Matthew 9:35-38, Matthew 14:13-14, Luke 7:12-17, Luke 19:1-10 and many more, the goodness of God begins with Jesus seeing. Once Jesus sees someone, compassion floods his heart, and he responds by healing, restoring, and redeeming. But the compassion is often linked to Jesus seeing…..
Raising the question in my own life: Who am I seeing?
Because if I do not see, then how will I ever have compassion? Without eyes to see people as God sees them, the love of God cannot flow through me.
I am blind. But I want to see.
Help me see, Lord.
Amen.
