Feb 8 - Blessed are the Eyes that See

Read Luke 10:17-24

Context: Continuation from yesterday

Text:
17The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
18He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
22"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
23Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

We saw on Monday that many people wanted Jesus to show them who he was -- especially if it meant that they got a free meal or healing from a medical condition that had haunted them for years. So many saw what Jesus was, but didn't really see what he was offering. They heard the words and agreed with them, but they didn't take the words into their hearts allowing Christ to change their lives.

Lynda sent a note with her Monday morning insight: "I think that that is still true now. People want Jesus to make them or someone they care about well and when he does they might say thanks and back to their old ways-the really sad thing is, those people that you were talking about actually got to see Jesus and see his miracles and still didn't change their ways."

When you tell others about Jesus, even when they see great miracles, few will actually take your words to heart and change their ways. So why go to the trouble?

Personally I'm thankful to a lot of people, many whose names I don't even remember. My aunt who took me to Sunday School every week, the teachers there who told me wonderful stories, the guy I made fun of at college for living his life for Christ, those people who were great examples of Christ's love without pushing their religion, friends of my children who made me realize we needed something more in our lives, my Mom for her prayers, and Scott Seppelt for sharing God's love in a down to earth way.

Each of these people, and many more, planted and watered seeds of God's love. Each one, in the proper order, helped me move one step closer to eternity, preparing me for that final submission. Very few of them have any idea that somewhere, deep inside, I listened and learned.

Don't miss your chance to help someone closer to their decision today...even if you don't recognize the value of your words until you meet them in heaven.