Acts 3:4 (ESV)
And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”
Our eyes are on constant engagement in this ever busy world. Unending images upon images seek our attention all the time. We live in the era of images – specifically rapid moving images. Folks these days have trouble in concentration. Commercials are designed with appealing catchy brief phrases with enthralling images to catch attention. The audiences’ attention span is short these days. People don’t have time for long draggy presentations. You either get them within the first few seconds or you lose them completely. Who dares to exclaim, “Look at me!” – have better be impressive. Eye to eye communication is even more challenging with a digital generation.
The little child burst out in excitement with a loud voice, “Look at me, look at me!” She attracted instant attention from her parents to see a new discovery. The parent who has an important message to convey to the child says, ” Look at me.” Firmly. Whichever the tone is, that short statement demands attention and conveys the importance of it.
Peter and John were heading into the temple courts for prayer when they encountered a crippled beggar. What an inconvenient moment to be interrupted on the way to prayer! Yet it was a sacred moment. They looked straight to him and directed him to look at them. Three simple concise words. “Look at us”. Simple yet sacred. Short yet strong statement.
They saw a need. More than just the immediate monetary need the beggar was expecting. There must be a lot of movement in the crowd. Images flashing by yet they made a point to look directly and intently. Courage called out, “Look at us.” Not to impress. Authenticity in their faith issued that attention with authority and anointing to heal in Jesus’ name. The power of that look was the pathway to the soul bringing the presence of God right in. Healing takes place when the love of God is transmitted.
The eyes have the power of vision. To see near and far – physically and spiritually. Ephesians 1:18 highlights, “…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” It is said, “The eyes are the window of the soul”. The point of connection through the positive eyes release a chemical – phenylethylamine which makes one feel loved. This is a natural hormone-like substance in the brain and body. It acts as a neurotransmitter which gives positive vibes to the person.
The power of love and healing is apportioned to us, people of God for the spirit of Christ dwells in us. Our eyes are the channel of the power of impartation from God to this world. Dare we say to the world to look at us? The power of vision is to see afar, but the courage to command attention enables dynamic impartation.
What do you see?
How about looking out and to the direction of the crippled and poor in the spirit, the lost and the needy?
Do you dare to say to them, “Look at me”?
Pray.
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 16 May 2020