Skewed vision

Today’s Reading: John 20:13-14 (NIV)

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put Him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

Good morning!

I wish I had 20/20 vision. I’ve worn glasses and contact lenses from the age of eight, and I’ve thought of undergoing lasik eye surgery as a way to surgically correct my nearsightedness and astigmatism. If it works, it may be a great blessing, especially in the night, when my vision is compromised by the surrounding darkness.

Have you ever seen something in the dark that compels you to take a second, harder look? Sometimes, if I awake abruptly in the middle of the night, I may see a shadow that forces me to blink several times, trying to focus on what it is I am actually seeing. Quite often, it is only a piece of furniture in the room, the ceiling fan moving slowly, or a book left on the floor by my side of the bed.

Mary was there at the tomb and the sun was just beginning to rise. It is not always easy to see things just before the first light of dawn, when the world around you is hazy and dark shadows fill the sky. Mary didn’t recognize the two angels, nor did she recognize her Lord even as He was standing right in front of her. Mary needed supernatural help with her limited visual acuity.

Shortsightedness tends to skew our ability to see the bigger picture clearly. We are far too focused on the shadows right in front of our noses. It’s kind of like trying to see clearly in the dark without your glasses. We strain our eyes to see beyond the present, the particular, the concrete – only to run full force into that concrete wall. What walls are skewing your vision from seeing the Lord Jesus Christ for who He really is?

I believe it was no mistake that Mary was confronted by Jesus and two angels that day: Father, Son and Holy Spirit - three in one; one being; together forever. What will it take for our eyes to be opened so that we can see the bigger picture? The season of Lent is fast approaching. What would you be willing to give up if it meant that you could see the Lord for who He really is with perfect sight?

Father, help us look beyond the shadows and walls that limit our sight and see you clearly today in every human heart. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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