Open My Eyes, Lord
A Jesus follower has to be one who can SEE what Jesus sees. The element of seeing ought to be easy. Just look around – what’s happening in the lives of those in our proximity?
Yet as I reflect on my time in Addis I realize I spent half of it not even seeing what Jesus sees. As we drove around this city of 4 million souls my eyes were drawn to the run down, half completed buildings or the piles of debris, garbage and rubble. I saw the dust and dirt and odd things unique to this place. But for 4 days I didn’t see the people. I realized I didn’t look into their eyes and really see them.
I asked myself how is it possible in the midst of this extreme poverty to not see the people? Individuals who are hurting at a level I can’t even imagine. It wasn’t intentional – but after a morning team devotional I realized it was what I was doing.
Then in my own quiet time I read Philippians 2:20-21: “I have no one else like him (Timothy), who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
It seems really seeing people where they are might be a rare thing. Paul saw it in Timothy, but I wasn’t seeing it in myself. So I prayed to be able to see as Jesus sees. See people where they are and try to help in some way.
I was surprised when the first two people I felt like I really saw were on our team – they were each wrestling with different things but needed to talk and process through what they were experiencing and feeling. I don’t know how helpful I was in those conversations, but I felt different having seen what I hadn’t been seeing.
The next person I saw was a 7th grade boy from Bring Love In. Beyond shy, with a lisp and a bit different from the other boys at BLI. I’m thankful God helped me see him, give him an opportunity to score in a meaningless football game and see his joy and smile.
Reflecting on this, it feels like this is a huge issue in our culture. People feeling unseen and people not seeing others as Jesus sees them. I’m convicted as we fly back home to try and see the people around me. To be like Timothy and have genuine concern for others. To place their needs above my own. To love my neighbor as Jesus commanded. I pray Lord that you would open my eyes to see what you see.
– Brian