Look Up And See!

The Lord is waiting to be merciful to you, and will rise up 

to show you compassion . . .

Isaiah 30:18 CEB

Having lived near the coastline of southern California for many years, hot air balloons were a scenic part of San Diego. We sometimes stopped the car along the roadside to watch them rise up in the distance, floating for miles and miles in peaceful rhythms.

There isn’t anything more breath-taking than a coastal sunset with colorfully designed balloons dotting the horizon!

In the same way, God puts us in a place where we can see Him – sense His Presence. Maybe it’s in a sunset, or someone’s smile, a small gift, or encouraging words. He uses these things to invite us to look up!

In Luke 15, the focal point of the prodigal son story is the father’s great compassion for his wayward son. Every day the father anxiously waited for the son to return home. When the day came . . .  when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and had compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him (Luke 15:20).

Then the father told his servants to go quickly and bring the finest robe - a ring for his finger and the finest shoes for his feet! 

This love and forgiveness so overwhelmed the son that he must have looked up into his father’s face and said, “How can this be? I was not expecting this!”

Thank you Father for Your unexpected gift  . . . your compassion that rises up so that I can see You!

Jesus said, And I, if I am lifted up (on the cross), will draw all men to Myself! (John 12:32 NASB).

Martha