Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

"The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (that, being translated, is Peter, the rock)."¹

I once visited the beautiful Huntington Library Gardens and was greatly impressed with the wonderful gardens with sections dedicated to different countries. When we were in the Japanese section and saw the display of bonsai trees, we thought of how sad it was to see such wonderful trees root-bound in that they could never in their current setting ever reach the potential that they were designed to become.

I get the same kind of feeling at a zoo or animal sanctuary when I see a glorious eagle cage-bound. This "king of birds" with the incredible wingspan can rise no higher than the cage he is in.

I wonder when God looks down and sees so many of his children sin-bound or damaged-emotions-bound, does this make him feel sad? I'm sure it does, but the good news is that God also sees our great potential.

When Jesus first met Simon he saw Peter, the rock. When he looked at Abram, he saw Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel. When he saw David, the shepherd boy, he saw a mighty King David. When he looked at Saul of Tarsus, he saw Paul the Apostle.

And when Jesus looks at you and me, he sees us not only as we are, but also what, with his help, we can become.

When Jesus looks at you, what do you thinks he sees? Whatever you do, don't miss out on becoming what God has envisioned for you to become. He does have a vision and purpose for your life too. Never rest until you discover what that purpose is.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the insight to see what you see in me and what, with your help, I can become. And give me the courage to do what I need to do to fulfill your vision for me, so that my life will be an investment in eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. John 1:41-42 (NIV).

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