Do You See What I See

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd September 18, 2018 - Filed in Devotional - 4,784 views

  Jesus answered him, 'Simon, I have something to tell you.' He said, 'Teacher, say on.' A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?' Simon answered, 'He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.' He said to him, 'You have judged correctly.' Luke 7:40 WEB
  
  Jesus was invited to dine at the home of Simon the pharisee, and as was customary for the time, they reclined around the table on low couches. Jesus would have been laying on His stomach with His head near the table and His feet away from it. As they ate, a former prostitute crept into the house and stood over His feet. She began to cry, and her tears fell on the feet of Jesus. She was embarrassed, so she let her hair down (which women never did in public) and she began to wipe His feet with her hair, to dry her tears from them. After this, she kissed His feet and anointed them with very expensive perfume, which the women cherished.

  

  
  Simon the Pharisee became disgusted and thought this woman should not even be in his house, and she was certainly not welcome at his table. Simon thought to himself that Jesus was no prophet or He would have known who this woman was that touched Him and stopped her.
  
  Jesus knew who it was. He told a parable about two debtors who were forgiven of their debt, one five hundred denarii and the other fifty. A denarii was a day's wage at the time for labor, like fruit picking. He then asked Simon who would love the moneylender more. Simon answered that it was the one who owed more, and Jesus told him that he had judged rightly. In the story, the moneylender forgave them, then the people loved him.
  
  Simon felt that he was holy and had no sin because Pharisees kept a long set of rules and traditions, while the woman knew without a doubt that she was a sinner and regretted it. Simon saw the woman for what she used to be. Jesus saw who the woman was standing there now. Simon could not see beyond her past, while Jesus forgave her past. The Pharisees were exclusive, while Jesus was inclusive. How could the religious leaders of the day see things so differently from God when looking at the same person?
  
  It does not matter what you have done in the past; you can be forgiven today. When you come into the Lord's presence, you will only find forgiveness, acceptance, and love. Many highly religious people and satan have a lot in common. They will keep looking at your past and try to make you feel like trash so they can feel righteous about their own mistakes. Jesus sees who you are now. Lift up your head and know that God loves you no matter what you have done in the past. Today, you are welcome at His table.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father let me see those around me, through Your eyes. Help me to see the good in people and to love them, as You love them. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: For those interested in capturing or viewing photos of God's creation, here is this week's theme message from Creation Photographers: James 1: 2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Our fun theme this week will be 'Motivational Moments' and is open for interpretation as always so let's get creative!! We also encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. May you all find that which motivates you to be the best you you can be in the Lord! AND may you ALL count it ALL as joy along your journey. God Bless! Here is the link to participate in this group: Creation Photographers group
  
  
  

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