Do you remember the last time you were so angry you just couldn’t see straight? That guy cut you off and caused you to curb your brand new tires. The lady had no business being so short with you. Your friend, for some reason has turned against you and there are no words which seem to lead to reconciliation.
Well, the next time that happens, recall the story told by Max Lucado. He writes in The Applause of Heaven about a big, muscle-bound man named Daniel who was swindled by his own brother. He vowed that if he ever saw him again, he would break his neck. A few months later, Daniel became a Christian. Even so, he couldn't forgive his brother. One day, the inevitable encounter took place on a busy avenue. This is how Daniel described what happened:
I saw him, but he didn't see me. I felt my fists clench and my face get hot. My initial impulse was to grab him around the throat and choke the life out of him. But as I looked into his face, my anger began to melt. For as I saw him, I saw the image of my father. I saw my father's eyes. I saw my father's look. I saw my father's expression. And as I saw my father in his face, my enemy once again became my brother.
The brother found himself wrapped in those big arms—but in a hug. The two stood in the middle of the river of people and wept. Daniel's words bear repeating: "When I saw the image of my father in his face, my enemy became my brother."
The next time we find ourselves in that unenviable place, may we fix our eyes on the Father who will make a way even when we can not imagine a path. The Bible says in Hebrews 12…
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)
May you have a delightful week as you gaze into the face of our heavenly Father.
Mike
