August 21st, 20

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Today’s readings are Jeremiah 28 – 30 and I John 3.  We are reading from he New Living Translation.

Remember the old saying, Monkey see, monkey do?  What you see is what you do.  John wants to begin this chapter with the word “See”.    

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! (I Jn 3:1 NLT)

What do you see?  What fills your vision? Is it your sin, your regrets, your self, your past?  Can you get past your past or is it all you see?  John want to admonish you to see God’s love for you- that he would actually call you his child.  What you see is what you do.  Monkey see monkey do.  See His Love and it will free you from you guilt, your past, and your regrets.  Fix your eyes on him. That will give you a growing confidence, as you stand before God – not because you have demonstrated such profound and faithful love on your part, that now you feel confident before God.  No.  Your confidence is not in your own love, it’s in his love.  Don’t try to put confidence in your feelings.  They are unreliable and changing.  No, your confidence is in him and in His love, whether you’re feeling it or not.  That’s what John is telling us when he says:

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. (I Jn 3:1 KJV)

So what is it that you’re looking at?  What you see is what you will do.  Look to him who showed you such love, in his life,death and resurrection.  Now he is your advocate before the Father, and His Spirit indwells you.  What grace is that?! In the wake of this love poured out on you, acts of love will happen. Set your gaze on Jesus today. 

You are loved!