Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Open Your Eyes" for Saturday, 13 September 2014 - Read Luke 21:1-4 Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”As Jesus looked up, he saw . . . a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.(Luke 21:1-2 (NIV))
I got to church one Sunday morning and greeted Waneta, one of the faithful members of our church. Then I went through my regular routine as pastor. After worship I was shaking hands and wishing everyone a nice week when someone pointed out that Waneta had a big pink bandage right on the end of her nose. Apparently she’d had some minor surgery the previous week. The strange thing is, I had spoken with Waneta four or five times that morning and had not noticed that bandage at all.
This made me wonder how often I really pay attention when I look at people. Do I focus on the person or on all the things I’m doing? When I look at them, do I really see them?
Jesus really saw people. When he encountered someone, he saw their needs. They became his priority. His eyes even found the invisible ones whom everyone else overlooked, such as the poor widow who gave two coins. The first act of love is to open our eyes and truly see those around us. It means setting aside our own agenda for a moment, and that’s not easy. But it’s the only way to find out what — and whom — we’re missing!
The Author: Michael Raypholtz (Ohio)
Thought for the Day: How will God use me in the lives of people around me?
Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us how to love like Jesus. Open our eyes that we may see opportunities for serving others. Amen.
Prayer focus: Pastors
__________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment