Morning Devotional 070325 Portal to the Soul

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 3, 2025

Luke 7:11-17

11 A little later Jesus went to a city called Nain. His disciples and a great crowd traveled with him. 12 As he approached the city gate, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When he saw her, the Lord had compassion for her and said, “Don’t cry.” 14 He stepped forward and touched the stretcher on which the dead man was being carried. Those carrying him stood still. Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, get up.” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Awestruck, everyone praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding region.

Good Morning! What a mighty God we serve!

When we look out at a group of people, what do we see? Most likely, we first see clothing, both the brightly colored coverings and the dingy, torn ones. Next, we might see sizes: big, tall, short, and small. Then, hair or head coverings will become apparent. If we take the time to look closely, we see faces that convey a range of emotions and life situations: age, disposition, worry, happiness, and joy. 

Sometimes, especially when we are consumed with our agenda, we simply see a mob or blurred images. If a sketch artist asked you to describe one person in the crowd, could you do it? 

Now, imagine looking into that same crowd and seeing through Jesus’ eyes. We would see those who are lost, needy, sick, anxious, and sad because we would see what lies inside the people, and we would be distracted by their outer appearance. How would Jesus describe the scene to a sketch artist? 

Jesus would describe the love and beauty he sees when he looks at God’s children. He would talk about the compassion and vulnerability that lie deep within our souls. The sketch artist would be challenged to assign physical features to Jesus’ description. 

Maybe, you could start with the eyes. Eyes are a portal that allows us to see beyond the surface and provide a glimpse of our soul to those who take the time to look. Take time to look at the world through Jesus’ eyes. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! When we look, we see physical and emotional things. When you look, you see beautiful, spiritual beings. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Look for opportunities to serve others. 

Put on your Jesus glasses! Pastor Liz