THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, May 1, 2023

Lord Jesus, the longer I looked at the picture, the more enraged I became. The gaggle of protestors, all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and hair colors, appeared to be mostly young, with a smattering of older folks, probably old hippies. Anger covered their faces. Their eyes glared with hatred. With fists raised in defiance, they held signs, most with vulgar messages, slamming our values and everything good and decent. These ‘losers’ disgusted me. And I wondered if they understood, let alone believed, what they were protesting against?

As I shook my head at their depravity, You tapped me on the shoulder to remind me of my recent prayer. “Jesus, let me see people through Your eyes.” When You presented an opportunity for me to “do my prayer,” my reactions to the picture caused me to question my sincerity. Did I say this prayer just off the cuff? Did I pray this to sound religious? Did I even understand what I prayed? To see people through Your eyes?

“Take another look at these folks,” You said. “I love these folks. I created them in my image. I carried their sins, as well as yours, when I hung on the cross. My blood paid their sin debt just as I paid your debt. And don’t think for one minute they are a worse sinner than you are.  

Ouch, that hurt.

My perception of these poor souls changed. I felt disgusted with myself for my judgmental attitude, my lack of Christlike love. “Forgive me, Lord,” I now see these folks as people who need You. If not for Your grace, I could be one of those ‘losers’ in that picture.

Lord, You make life worth living. “I am the life and meaning they are looking for. I am the love they need. To accept my gift of starting over with a clean slate and having eternal life in Heaven, they just need to confess their sinful state, repent, and believe what I did for them on the cross. If I can save Saul of Tarsus—the Apostle Paul—I can transform anyone.” Who would want to protest that?

“Thank You, Jesus. Help me see people through Your eyes.” Amen.