Lift Up Your Eyes

“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” (John 4:35b)

When I first learned to drive, my dad gave me some great advice: “Never lose sight of the bigger picture.” He trained me to constantly monitor what was happening on my left and right, in my rear-view mirror, and as far down the road as I could see.

Over the years, I’ve realized that Dad's words apply not just to driving a car, but to other areas of life as well. In fact, I hear his words replayed in my mind almost every time I make a decision.  The Lord Jesus had similar advice when he spoke to his disciples about their role in the world.

“Lift up your eyes!” He told them. (See John 4:35; Matthew 9:37)  In other words, one of the first priorities and disciplines for every follower of Christ is to cultivate a global perspective.

When I sometimes jogged through our community, I'd catch myself looking down at the street in front of me.  I kept reminding myself to lift my chin and take in my surroundings. It's a far more inspiring view.  Life is too short to spend it gazing at the pavement.  Many believers, to their own loss, don’t take time to appreciate the grand sweep of God’s redemptive plan in the Scriptures and how God has uniquely prepared them to participate.

When we lift our eyes, Jesus points out, our hearts will be touched by the immensity of the harvest task, the scarcity of workers and the spiritual readiness of many to embrace the good news.

“Never lose sight of the bigger picture.” Through the years, Dad's advice has protected me from danger and distraction.  Furthermore, each time I lift my eyes, I am changed.  I see things I didn't see before.  The picture gets clearer and my life takes on more meaning.  My passion to connect “those who know” with “those who don’t” grows.

How about you?  Have you lifted your eyes lately?


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