3rd February 2024
Open the eyes of our heart
‘I thought what a [strange] world it is and how two different people could see the same thing each of them the other way round.’ This observation in Agatha Christie’s book, Murder in Mesopotamia, has been true since the beginning of time. It’s true now as we know from accounts of court witnesses – they often give conflicting testimony.
It was true in Jesus’ time too. In Luke 6:1-19, after Jesus healed a man with a withered hand, the Pharisees were filled with rage and started ‘plotting how they might get even with him’ (v.11 MSG). A few verses later, huge crowds were following him, both to hear him and be healed of their diseases. It’s amazing how both groups could see the same thing and have totally opposite reactions. People either loved him or hated him.
Jesus is still a polarising figure, although I suppose now more people fall in the apathy range than love or hate. He hasn’t changed but it’s true that two different people can look at him and each see him ‘the other way round.’ Is it because some see him as a loving saviour and some fear their sins will be exposed, making them want to hide? There are probably as many reasons for their reactions as there are eyes to see him.
Let’s all pray for the eyes of our (and other’s) hearts to be enlightened to see him for who he really is – the one who, out of his great love for us, laid down his own life to save us.
Study by Tammy Tkach
First published on 16 January 2024, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
About the writer:
Tammy Tkach is the Assistant Pastor of the Eugene, Oregon, USA, Grace Communion International congregation. She is a speaker and writer, and publishes a blog at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com
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