See? Devotion 46

The headlines of the day scream for our attention.  They call to us to read, to search, to hear.  The articles want us to think or believe what is being said.  There are often pictures in these articles.  What would we do without visuals?  In those pictures are people.  These are snapshots in time of people or events.  They are brief glimpses into a life that we then use to create a story.  What we often miss is these pictures hold just a moment in the life of a real person.  A real person is captured just for a second.  From that second, we begin to form conclusions.  We imagine their lives.  We create our own narrative of who they are, what they have done, and what they should feel.  We put ourselves in their shoes.  But we are not those people in the pictures.  And what if, through our own conclusions, we miss Jesus.

You may be wondering how in the world we would see Jesus in anything lately.  Everything has been so troubling.  There are fires and violence erupting.  There has been evil captured.  We could be distraught.  Or we can take a moment to see Jesus.  I have seen him.  It hasn’t been easy.  I have been forced to look more intently with my heart than with my eyes.  I have been challenged to look past the narratives that I tell myself.  I have even had to overlook the name calling and hate filled speech that has plagued what we see, read and hear.  Jesus is there.

I see him in those that grieve, providing comfort.  I see him in those that fight the injustice, providing persistence and strength in the midst of turmoil.  I see him in the writings and expressions of my black and brown brothers and sisters, penning words that open our eyes and our minds.  I see him in the slow chipping away at a system that fosters discrimination and fear.  I see him in my fellow white brothers and sisters as we begin to see where we have gone so very wrong, often without knowing it.  I see Jesus and I am grateful.

Where do you see him?  If you haven’t, maybe take another look.  Maybe take a look with your heart rather than your eyes.  Maybe stop the narrative we tell ourselves and search for where Jesus is at work.  I believe he is.  And I can’t wait to see where I notice him next.  Open my eyes, Lord.  Open my eyes.

Focus Scripture:

Philippians 2:12-13

¹² Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³ for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery