A God's Eye Perspective

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” - Matthew 13:44

Someone once asked me if I look at life through my own eyes or do I like the view looking over the shoulder of God? What perspective or presuppositions do we have when we read Scripture, grow relationships, think about the church, or minister to others? Do you view life from your own perspective or do you see it as God sees it?

In Luke 18 & 19 we see three stories about perspective. A rich young ruler who was trying to earn or do what was needed to enter the kingdom of God is the first one. All his self-righteousness meant nothing, what Jesus was offering was something he couldn’t see the value in because his eyes were fixed on earthly things. He held tightly to his wealth, possessions, and status which cost him eternal riches. Next week see the blind beggar and Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” After asking for sight he was healed and God was glorified. The question still lingers though, did the blind beggar have the right perspective? His primary concern was his physical need of sight, although he recognized Jesus as God the greater spiritual need took a secondary position. In the third story we Jesus’s encounter with Zacchaeus. He had a God’s eye perspective, he recognized who Jesus was, what he represented, and was willing to give up everything and follow him. What ever Jesus wanted him to do he was willing to do it.

Is that true of you? Which one of these stories most represents your life? Are you holding on to the things of this world so tightly that it is keeping you from God? Maybe you are so focused on your physical needs (or wants) that you have become totally ignorant to your spiritual need. My prayer is that you would be like Zacchaeus. That you would realize Jesus Christ is worthy and deserves everything. When Zacchaeus encountered the love and grace of Jesus he responded with a God’s eye perspective. How are you responding?

“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” - Luke 19:8

Further Reading: Luke 18 & 19