CORRECTIVE LENSES
"But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?"
Jonah 4:11 (NLT)
"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Matthew 7:2 (NIV)
I don't enjoy going to the eye doctor because I know my eyesight is declining. The longer I procrastinate, the worse it gets, and the stronger my prescription becomes. I ask myself every time: What's the holdup? Just make an appointment and go! The truth is, I want to believe I see things clearly. The reality is, my view is through a flawed set of eyes that need help to see differently.
This brings the story of Jonah to my mind. I've walked that path in the same shoes, viewing others through a harsh lens and believing their sin is somehow greater than mine. Jonah was called to deliver a message of repentance to a city of over 120,000 people, yet he struggled to see them the way God did. Because of this, he was unwilling to do what God asked. Though Jonah eventually delivered God's message and Nineveh repented, his heart for the people didn't seem to change. Was his perspective shaped by past events? That's a question for another day.
What's true when we judge others is that it often shines the spotlight back onto us and where we need correction. God shared a question with Jonah that we should ask ourselves: "Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness..." Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city? So, how do we stand up to the standard we've set for others? Jonah's disobedience was no different than Nineveh's. God's patience and love spared both. Let's remember we're measured by what Jesus did for us, not by our standards for others.
APPLICATION: Today, ask God to reveal areas in your life that need attention. Then ask yourself this: How am I judging others or being critical of them in these areas? Surrender that to Him and allow yourself to be empathetic and merciful rather than cold and combative towards others.
PRAYER: Jesus, give me Your eyesight today. Help me to see others through Your truth, grace and compassion, not just what I see on the surface. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?