WHEN YOU LOOK AT JESUS …

Acts 7:55 KJV (WS)

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

ILLUSTRATION:

Imagine the mystery and delight of not just hearing, but seeing the story of Jesus for the first time, almost as an eyewitness.

That’s what happened to a tribe in the jungles of East Asia when missionaries showed them the Jesus film. Not only had these people never heard of Jesus, they had never seen a motion picture. Then, on one unforgettable evening, they saw it all—the gospel in their own language, visible and real.

Imagine again how it felt to see this good man, Jesus, who healed the sick and was adored by children, held without trial and beaten by jeering soldiers. As they watched this, the people came unglued. They stood up and began to shout at the cruel men on the screen, demanding that this outrage stop.

When nothing happened, they attacked the missionary running the projector. Perhaps he was responsible for this injustice! He was forced to stop the film and explain that the story wasn’t over yet,; there was more. So they settled back onto the ground, holding their emotions in tenuous check.

Then came the crucifixion. Again, the people could not hold back. They began to weep and wail with such loud grief that, once again, the film had to be stopped. The missionary again tried to calm them, explaining that the story still wasn’t over; there was more. So they composed themselves and sat down to see what happened next.

Then came the resurrection. Pandemonium broke out this time, but for a different reason. The gathering had spontaneously erupted into a party. The noise now was of jubilation, and it was deafening. The people were dancing and slapping each other on the back. Christ is risen, indeed!

Again the missionary had to shut off the projector; this time he didn’t tell them to calm down and wait for what was next. All that was supposed to happen—in the story and in their lives—was happening.

1. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF FAITH?

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.—Luke 17:5

2. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF LOVE?

And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.—Acts 7:56

3. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF RECOGNITION?

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.—John 20:16

4. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF UNDERSTANDING?

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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.—Heb. 12:1–2

5. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF REALITY?

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.—John 20:20

6. DO YOU SEE HIM WITH THE EYE OF HOPE?

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.—Titus 2:13