"Invisible?"
Oct. 30, 2019
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.
—1 John 3:1-3 (ESV)
Do you ever feel like you're invisible?
We've all seen pictures of poor children or adults who are down and out on the streets. Sometimes the picture is of someone living hand-to-mouth in a Third World country. The weight of their poverty is truly oppressive. Sometimes, though, one sees—either through photographs or in real life—scenes like this in our country. Visualize homeless people in grubby clothes, crouching in front of some big city building. Observed and neglected by a procession of passersby, the destitute often elicit more ire than empathy. We wonder how they got this way and figure it was bad choices, bad upbringing, or just plain bad luck that got them the short end of the stick.
Oh well, what can we do? If we're feeling generous, we drop a bill or two into their hat. If we're in a hurry, we move on. Probably we'll move on.
How wonderful it is that our plight is not invisible to God! Slumped down in the corners of our lives, wearing filthy rags of sin and destitute by nature, God does not turn away. He doesn't casually glance our way, muse on how we got into our predicament, and shuffle along to something better—someone who's not so loaded down with "issues."
No, instead of scorning us, the Father stops and reaches down into our world. He even takes us to Himself and, rather than simply brush us off and send us on our way, He calls us into His family—warts, baggage, and all. Giving us Jesus, He has given us everything—the forgiveness of sins, a new life in His Son, and the blessed acceptance of being God's own children.
None of this we deserve, of course, but God has given it to us anyway: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." God lets us know that even though we may feel invisible to the world, He sees us clearly, and He knows we are so much more than our present circumstances or the sins we've committed.
We are not invisible to Him.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, You saw us for who we are, and You didn't turn away. Instead, You take us as Your children through the saving blood of Jesus. Help us not to turn away from others. Thank You more than words can say. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you have a set reaction, typically, when you see somebody down and out on the street?
- How has God reached into your life and pulled you from the dumpster?
- How does knowing what God has done for you make you more empathetic and responsive toward others?
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Do you have a set reaction, typically, when you see somebody down and out on the street?
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