Your Daily Devotional for December 26, 2009
M@rlene
Through Christ's Eyes
by Dr. Paul Chappell
"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."
Matthew 9:35-37
Christmas isn't a joyous time for everyone, but it should be a time when everyone spreads joy.
Have you ever wondered how many people in Jesus' day didn't rejoice at His birth? Where were those people who had long awaited His arrival? Surely they saw the star, recognized who He was, and knew He was the Messiah. Have you ever thought, "Had I been there, I would have certainly recognized who He was and worshipped Him as so"? There really is only one way to know for sure whether or not you would have recognized baby Jesus for who He truly was. The test is in how you view the people around you.
When watching the news, do you see chaos and disorder, or do you see lost souls who need Christ? When standing in line, do you see a woman taking forever to pay, or do you notice her counting coins to try to make the payment? Do you hear the sounds of Christmas carols and good cheer, or do you hear the sighs of a person having to spend another Christmas alone? Just as the people in Jesus' day, we can overlook the real needs this time of year.
Often, what we see and hear is not dependent upon what is happening around us, but is dependent upon us. The sounds of loneliness, struggles, and difficulty are there; but whether we hear them or not depends on how closely we are listening.
At this time in our nation, many people are experiencing difficult times. We all know the economy is struggling and many people are losing their jobs. If you still have a job, take a minute and thank God right now. If not, ask Him to provide, and keep faith in Him. Many people will face Christmas for the first time this year without employment. Presents will be limited, food will not be as plenteous, and the joy that is normally felt will be suppressed.
Our verses show us that Christ had compassion on people like this. He saw beyond the masses of people come to hear Him teach, and saw their individual needs. He saw they were "sheep having no shepherd." There are people this holiday season who have no shepherd. They are wandering through life, struggling to survive, and desperately seeking hope.
Christmas isn't a joyous time for everyone, but it should be a time when everyone spreads joy. As a Christian, you have great reason to be joyous! Just as Christ looked upon the masses and saw their need, so you should overlook the outward impressions of others, but see their need this season.
Some people around you need a warm meal this holiday. Some could use presents or gift cards for their family. Others would benefit from homemade cookies and time spent together. While many people need to hear the Gospel. How can you help spread joy to these people?
When you see people as God sees them, you'll be more in tune with their needs. Ask God right now to give you His eyes for people. Seek to see others as God would see them, as sheep needing a shepherd. Rather than hurrying about your way, take time to look for those who are hurting, alone, or discouraged this season, and do something to help spread joy to their lives.
To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.
Daily Bible Reading
Haggai | Revelation 17