“When we see ourselves through Jesus’ eyes, His assignments start feeling less like burdens and more like privileges. . . . The more I see myself through Jesus’ eyes, the more I see Him as my helper, not vice versa. . . . And because He delights in me, He lets me work on some of His projects. We are not Jesus’ only hope. He is our only hope.”- Alan Wright
[Jesus] came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share in me.”- John 13: 7-9(ESV)In Chapter 3 (“Receiving: Seeing Jesus as Your Helper, Not Vice Versa”) of Seeing as Jesus Sees, Alan Wright notes a problem. Pastor Wright asks, what if our noble desire to serve rather than be served interferes with receiving what God desires to give? Above all, Alan counsels, we need to see how much Jesus yearns to give to us before we can give anything to others.
Certainly, Pastor Wright notes, Peter meant well when he stiff-armed the foot washing of Jesus. Just as Peter meant well when he pledged not to deny Jesus. However, the promises of a disciple fail to hold much power. Consequently, it’s God’s promises to us that matter.
Most significantly, Pastor Wright observes, Peter preached the sermon at Pentecost and saw the wonders of God’s power. In addition, through the power of his Helper, the Holy Spirit, changed the world. But first Peter had to allow Jesus to help him.
In conclusion, Pastor Wright encourages:
“When you ask Jesus how He sees you, you’ll see how much He loves you and wants to help you. . . . When you see yourself through Jesus’ eyes, you’ll see how much He wants to help you.”
Today’s question: Do you see Jesus’ assignments less as burdens and more like privileges? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A practice for a lifetime”
