LOOK AT MY EYES

When my children were growing up, there were many times I couldn't get them to obey me.  I finally learned, if I stopped and said their name and then said, "Look at my eyes," finished telling them what I wanted them to do they would become obedient.  There were times they started the cycle of obedience but would stop and continue in their own direction.  I would once again stop and say their name and say, "look at me" once again and their attitude and obedience were directed in the right path.

I noticed my son testing this on his children today as we celebrated their father's birthday, and just as 25 yrs ago, it still works with this current generation as my grandson instantly obeyed his father's voice. 

My daughter told me one day when she was a teenager, "I hate it when you insist I look at your eyes."  The reason why is, when I want my way and look at your eyes, I know I have to obey but when I can keep my eyes on other things I feel it's easier to do what I am deciding to do instead, but you keep saying, "Look at me," and this continually makes me obey you instead." 

We are much the same, the Lord says, "Look to me and be saved!"  

It is so easy to put our eyes on our desire for certain relationships or our desires to be involved in certain sins that pull us away.  It's so easy to keep our eyes on the TV, computer, and iPhones instead of on Him.  Yet He woes us back into his path by His words.

In Isaiah 45:22 He says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

Psalm 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Far too many times, we turn our face away because we know the moment we look into His eyes we will remember His great love, mercy, and compassion for us and it will melt our rebellion away and our soul will turn back, even when our flesh wants to follow our own ungodly selfish paths.  

Does it surprise us, that our world who has tried to banish Christ from the schools, businesses, streets and even family gatherings, has also become so vile and disobedient not only to God but to each other, and to the authority of any kind?  

Does it surprise us that marriages are falling apart continually, not because people are giving up their own desires but because we all want our own way, even when we fully understand it may lead us astray and cause division?  

Does it surprise us that children have murder hidden in their hearts even when they seem so sweet, kind and innocent at times?  

Does it surprise us that companies are constantly spending enormous amounts of money on security camera's because theft has become so common, not only among people we would expect it from, but also from those who it's least expected of?

Does anything surprise us anymore?  

Why have we become so hardened? 

Why have we become so selfish?  

Why have we become so pliable to sin?

Why do we demand others turn their eyes away from this great God of love, mercy, and forgiveness?

It is because we refuse to look into His eyes and even the reflection of Christ in anyone else's life tries to bring our heart, mind, and soul into subjection and the spirit we have allowed to dwell within us despises Christ so deeply, that it cries out destruction to those who lead us in the path of righteousness. 

The eyes of the Lord is upon you.  Where are you looking, to Him or the opposite direction? 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

and the things of earth will grow strangely dim

in the light of His glory and grace.