Matthew 17:10-13

Matthew 17:10-13 ESV And the disciples asked Him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood the He was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Do you see people as God sees them? Do you see yourself as God sees you? What we see with our physical eyes does not always match up to what God sees (1 Samuel 16:7). Some, if not all, of Jesus’ disciples had met John the Baptist. At least one was first a disciple of John’s before following Jesus. Yet none of them recognized that John was the Elijah that they were looking for.

Even John himself didn’t realize fully who he was. When asked if he was Elijah he stated that he wasn’t (John 1:21).

God sees us differently because He knows what He can and will to do through us if we let Him. When God works through us, we can accomplish whatever He has called us to do. That is the mindset that we need to have. When we look at someone, including ourselves, we should focus on what God can do.

All too often we focus on people faults and limitations. Sometimes that is doubly true of our view of our self.  We all have faults and limitations but they are not a hindrance to God unless we refuse to let Him work. Every great man and woman of God had their weaknesses. Those weaknesses only served to bring God more glory when He did great things through them.

Let’s make it a practice to try and see people through the lens of God’s power and grace. When we do that, our perceptions will change.

Lord, please give me spiritual eyes that view others and me as You see us.