Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
A man once stood up at the Speaker’s Corner in London’s Hyde Park, making full use of the opportunity to mock the Lord. He said, "People tell me that God exists, but I can't see Him. People tell me that there is a life after death, but I can't see it. People tell me that there is a judgment to come, but I can't see it. People tell me that there is a heaven and a hell, but I can't see them." He stepped down while another man struggled up. The second man began, "People tell me that there is green grass all around, but I can't see it. People tell me that there is blue sky above, but I can't see it. People tell me that there are trees nearby, but I can't see them. But then, there is a reason. I am blind.”
All of us are sometimes blind. The first of the orators felt quite smug in saying that our senses are the sum total of reality; he was blind to anything spiritual or godly. The second speaker may have been blind to the things of the material world, but he could clearly see the hand of God in his life.
It is my hope and prayer that you are among the many millions who have seen the grace of God in the face of His Son—our Savior—Jesus. If you are not, take the time to look closely into the manger of Bethlehem where Jesus was born, read the Scriptures and see Him walking the dusty paths of this world to bring hope and heaven to humankind. Let your eyes be opened to gaze with agonizing astonishment at His suffering and sacrifice upon Calvary’s cross. It is important that you allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to God’s love and grace. Christians who have been plagued by doubt need to see anew God’s love for them upon the cross. Serious skeptics need to see the Savior’s story of salvation.
One by one, the days of your life are being checked off. Not everyone who picks up this book will be around to read its sequel a year from now. That’s why, today, see the Holy Spirit calling you to faith in the Savior. He wants you, with eyes of faith, to see the reality of the Redeemer’s love.
Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour sermon preached on July 18, 2004
THE PRAYER: Gracious Lord, may the power of your Holy Spirit guide and direct me to serve you in your Kingdom today. Give me eyes of faith, so that I may see the reality of my Redeemer's love. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: 1 Kings 1-2 John 18:19-40
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