March 2, 2023

“For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” John 17:8

As Jesus spent time with people, He was steadily revealing ‘kingdom principles’ to receptive minds. Then He prayed to His Father in heaven about those who were receptive. He is the Master Soul Winner! A long gaze straight into the compassionate eyes of Jesus will bring a very significant principle to the forefront: He saw each individual as a potential citizen of heaven.

Too often, we are likely to see only the irritating flaws in people, but a glance back at some of the disciples can quickly serve to help us push aside such thoughts and see people as Jesus saw them. What about Peter? To say he was ‘rough around the edges’ barely approaches the impulsive, rash way of operating in his fisherman’s world. Yet Jesus saw him as a mighty preacher of the gospel of salvation! Oh, what spiritual blessings are ours today because of Peter!

James and his little brother John were the proud owners of fiery-hot tempers. In deep affection and divine humor, Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.” Who among us doesn’t smile and perhaps chuckle at the way Jesus lightened up what must have surely been some heated conversations. These two brothers went on to become committed proclaimers of His grace and mercy. What could be better?

The list of Bible characters who were changed for eternity by the mercy and grace of God is lengthened by names that have been added to the kingdom since those days of the Apostolic church. And it is ongoing through the influence of countless followers of the Good Shepherd, whose unchanging mission it is to lead His beloved sheep to safe pasture.

Paul followed a lengthy listing of unsavory characters with a powerful reminder of the former condition of church members in Corinth. Any time I find myself focused on someone’s faults, this verse puts me back into a proper paradigm:

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11