What we see matters!  What do you see when you see a Cross?  Does it have an effect on you when you see one?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV)

When you see a cross, do you see a mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces alone?  Or do you see beyond it’s physical representation?

I love to see things around me and dig into a deeper reality of what they stand for in my life.  But this only happens when I find the time to think things out.  We live in a fast-paced world and we need to be intentional with our time management.  If not, what we see with our physical eyes become our reality.

When I see a tree, I think of me.  I think of people.  We are likened to a tree in His word.  When we delight in meditating His word day and night, we are like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:2-3 NKJV).

When I see a salt shaker, I get reminded of who I am.  We are called to be the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16).  Salt that is used to preserve the identity of people as we speak words of wisdom.  Salt that is to add value to the people whom we speak words of encouragement.

When I see fruits, I close my eyes and think of how they are produced.  The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are birthed in our lives when we, as branches, are constantly and consistently connected to the Vine.  Apart from Him, we are nothing.  Apart from being linked and synced with Him, no fruit is produced.

When I see bread, I remember Jesus Who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).  A freshly baked bread smells so good that makes it irresistible.  A fresh manna, a fresh revelation of His word every single morning makes my heart sing wanting for more as I get to chew and regurgitate and eventually swallow to make it become a part of me.

When I see grapes, I go beyond the fruit and into its transformation of becoming wine.  I see the Blood of Jesus that washed my sins away and made my slate clean.  He made me worthy to come boldly into the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.

When I single out a person, I’m learning to train my eyes to see him as God’s beloved.  Then it changes the way I deal with him.

We are constantly seeing things around us but unless we are born again, born of God, our sight is limited to the things of this world.  What we see is what we get!  But once we become born again, our perspective changes.  We see differently.  We see beyond what we normally see.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 ESV)

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).  We are the righteousness of God in Christ.  It is not for us to work for it.  It is a gift (Romans 5:17).  Seeing righteousness as a gift needs a lens of a renewed sight.  It cannot be perceived as a norm for man’s default is to earn it by doing righteous deeds.

Jesus saw suffering and death differently.  For the joy that was set before Him, He endured cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).  He saw beyond what He was about to go through.  He saw you and me reconciled in a restored intimate relationship with our Abba, Father, filled with Holy Spirit, enjoying life and having it more abundantly in Christ.

So, what do you see when you see a Cross?

I see Jesus!  I see Freedom!  I see Salvation!  I see Deliverance!  I see Healing!  I see Provision!  I see Victory!  I see a perfectly demonstrated love!  I see Acceptance!  I see Restoration!  I see Reigning in life.  I see Authority!  I see Mercy!  I see Grace!  I see Truth!  I see Life!  I see arms outstretched wide ever ready to embrace me.  I see Hope!  I see Light!   I see Favor!  I see the daily load of benefits that Jesus paid for you and me!  I see Glory!

 

Prayer:

Father, thank You for opening my eyes to see Jesus Who is the perfect and exact  representation of Who You are, radiating Your own glory, expressing Your very character, and sustaining everything by the mighty power of Your command.  Teach me to know You more each day of my life that I may live the good life which You prearranged and made ready for me.