I’m totally floored by the last couple of paragraphs in John chapter 16 as translated by The Message version of the Bible.  We find Jesus in His last hours with the disciples trying to explain the events that are about to happen. I love that Jesus’ focus is on the latter half.  On the part with the ‘helper” coming…the direct access o God and all the benefits in John 16:23-24.

23 You’ll no longer be so full of questions.24 Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

The real revelation in this chapter though is the picture we get of God’s eyes.  The eyes of Jesus. The ability to see past what we do, what we thing we’d do, who we really are, and what we’ll become.

The disciples eagerly say, “Aha! Finally we understand! We get it. WE know you’re from God.” And not a second later Jesus tells them they will all abandon Him to save their “own skins.” He knows what they say and what they will do are two totally separate things.  He looks them in the eye and sees a group who will conquer the world for Him.  He sees a group who will ultimately give their lives for Him and the Kindgom’s sake.  He sees friends who will make a stand for Him before they die.  He sees a group of rebels who will change history for ever.

I pray we would see people that way.  We would see beyond their short-term motives. We would see past their reactions.  We would see past their walls.  We would see past their emotions, hate, and words that stab at you.  I pray we see the beautiful picture God sees in all of us.  The picture Jesus saw that day.  The real picture of who we are, not what the world pushes us into.  We must see past to the potential and purpose so that love can reside.

For it was this love that saw past the mess I was in, so that same love could bring me into the place I was made for.  Only a few people around me saw that potential in me.  They were truly the hands of love God brought into my life.  Fortunately, one of them has been my wife, by my side, walking out this journey with God for the last 13 years.  This Thanksgiving week, I’m thankful for God’s eyes.  I’m thankful for the people who see through those eyes.  I need them daily! Oh Lord, give us your eyes!

Breathe In & Smile Out,

Chris