“Can you see anything now?” (Jesus asked him.) The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around. ”Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Mark 8:23-25
Lord Jesus, this story is precious to us, for many reasons. It highlights that healing is usually a process, and that we will need you until the day you take us Home. It also underscores how compassionate, patient, and kind you are. Thank you.
We begin 2022 asking for heart-vision correction, because we need it. We want to see everything from the perspective of your heart, grace, and eternity.
Help us look at people through Gospel-eyes. Everyone we encounter is made in your image. But they also bear stories, scars, and struggles about which we are clueless. Help us see what you see in our family members, friends, co-workers, and strangers.
Help us see money, time, and our talents as the currency of grace. Wise planning is one thing, but living a life of “affluenza,” greed-fear, and gold-trust is empty and heart-corroding. Free us for greater generosity in 2022.
Lastly, Jesus, free us to see our coming life in the new heaven and new earth more clearly than ever. The Apostle John saw it, and fell down in astonishment, worship, and joy (Rev.19:9-10; 22:8-10). And got up to serve you fearlessly and faithfully until you took him Home. May it be so with us, Jesus. So Very Amen