For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
This week I had the most amazing experience. I was standing line at Trader Joe’s, minding my own business, staying on the painted flower six feet apart from the next flower on the floor, when I literally ran into the lady in front of me (whom I obviously didn’t see was standing so close in front of me). It was like she literally slipped in line without me noticing. I apologized immediately and excused myself from running into her and not keeping my mandatory distance. This sweet elderly lady, instead of moving farther away, moved in closer. She looked me in the eye and asked how my day was going. I said pretty good and then she looked closer into my eyes over her rimmed glasses and sweetly stated, “You have the most beautiful eyes.” I said thank you and then she said the most amazing thing to me, “You love Jesus don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.”
Now of course I am wearing my mask so the only thing she can see on my face is my eyes. It took me a little aback and then she laid her hands on me and started praying for me right there in line at Trader Joe’s. We exchanged more pleasantries and then she waited for me outside. We had another deeper conversation and then we prayed for each other. It was such a blessing because earlier that morning I had prayed that God would show me how to be more bold and confident in my faith. God answered. He heard my prayer. He sees me. He sees you.
The lady saw me because she was looking. How many people do I encounter everyday, but never really see them. Jesus saw people. His business is people. He saw people like Zacchaeus. There is a story in the Bible about a little man who climbed up a tree to see Jesus. (Luke 19:1-10) The crowd was so large and Zacchaeus really wanted to see Jesus. Instead, Jesus saw him. He not only saw him, he told him to come down because He was going to his house that day. He saw him and then invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Would I be that bold?
In both these stories the result is the same. Seeing people and making connection. The lady saw me and made a connection. Jesus saw Zacchaeus and made a connection. Even if your mouth is covered by a mask and you cannot smile at people. Can you see them? Can you acknowledge them? Can you make a connection? Now more than ever people need to make connections. If you want to make a connection with Jesus like Zacchaeus, you don’t need to climb a tree, you can just look up and pray to Him. He already sees you.
SEEN
Look. See. Connect.
How can you make connections with others? Do you need to make a connection with Jesus?