When I got to work last Tuesday I found a picture of Jesus with the words “I saw that!” taped to my desk. I laughed, because I knew right away who the culprit was. It had to be Jennifer, our receptionist, who loves to play pranks on people. It’s part of why we love her.
Thinking about it later, I realized those words, “I saw that!” were very true. God does see everything we do. That’s why Paul said in Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
This fact scares a lot of people. Their image of God is a lot like the above picture. They see God as constantly watching them, waiting for them to mess up. When they do blow it they imagine Him wagging a finger in their face and shouting, “I saw that! Now you’re going to get it!”
The problem is, this isn’t how God is at all. Yes, He does see all our sins and mistakes and there will come a day when “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” (1 Corinthians 4:5). When we sin God does say, “I saw that!”, but then He adds, “…but I love you anyway!”
That is the Good News! This same God who knows all and sees all also loves us all! In fact, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). And the amazing thing is, He didn’t wait till we deserved to be saved to save us, but “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
This morning, don’t be afraid because our God is “the God who sees…” (Genesis 16:13). Instead, rejoice, because this same God also loves you with “an everlasting love” and is constantly drawing you to Him with “unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3). He promises “whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37).
My friend, don’t wait a moment longer. Come to Him today. Don’t be afraid. Remember,
He’s the God who sees – and loves you anyway!