Mark 2:14

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Mark 2:14

There’s an old saying, “What you see is what you get.” That may apply to material things but does it always apply to people? Jesus saw Levi not just as a tax collector, but as a man with potential and purpose. How often do we judge others (or ourselves) based on outward appearances or past mistakes? What if we took a moment and pondered how God might view that person (or ourselves). Jesus sought the man that everyone hated. Doesn’t that just reveal the heart of Jesus to us?

Of course, we’re disadvantaged; we’re not omniscient as God is. But for us it usually means taking the time to get to know that person. Then we can ask God to help us see others as He sees them – with love, compassion, and hope for what they can become through His grace. So reflect on how Jesus has seen beyond your own faults and called you to follow Him. How can you extend this same grace to others in your life?

Pastor Wade O’Neill