The Overlooked

The room was full of people who had power, wealth, and influence. And then there was me. It wasn’t clear to me why I’d been invited. Others probably felt the same way. If I could have  I would have found a way to sneak out the back door. Can you remember a time in your life when you felt out of place and unnoticed? Maybe it was not you that was overlooked but those around you.

My wife and I went to a Habitat for Humanity (HfH) meeting last night in Whitestown. The Boone County HfH staff were sharing about a complete subdivision of 25 homes that will all be HfH homes. It was disheartening to hear some in the crowd who spoke negatively of the families who needed a HfH home and did not want them in the community. Yet Jesus calls us to minister to the downtrodden. In John 9:1, the Bible says, “As Jesus went along, He saw a man blind from birth.” This man was in plain view of all who passed by, but few noticed him. He was out of place.

Max Lucado writes, “Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth, a man who’d never seen a sunrise. He dwelled in a dark world. Others had reason to hope; he had reason to despair.” All that changed when Jesus walked by and saw him. You may not be blind and left alone to die. But you may feel like I did - out of place and ill-equipped. Can I offer hope today? I want you to know that Jesus sees you right where you are, and He knows how you’re feeling. He understands.

Through eyes of compassion and with a heart of mercy, Jesus invites you into His presence with gladness. Rest in His arms today as He quiets you with His love and rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). The Bible says the plans He has for you will lead to prosperity, give you hope and a bright future (Jeremiah 29:11).