The Lord’s Gaze

“And the Lord looked upon him, and said, ‘Go in this thy might…” Judges 6:14

Dear Ones:

In the gospel of Luke, we find that just after Peter had betrayed the Lord, “…the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.” (Luke 22:61) That gaze, and the remembrance of Christ’s words to him concerning his betrayal, would result in Peter leaving the scene, weeping bitterly. What was there in that gaze of Christ? Condemnation or anger? I think not, but the solemn, quiet, resolve of the Christ to love His own even unto death. From Peter’s standpoint, it would be one of those very “awakening,” life-changing moments, when the realization of his personal and terrible need was seen in a blatant, and overwhelming way. Jesus, after the resurrection, would address this moment in a pivotal manner, which brought Peter to understand that he could not “love,” except by the love given to him by God. The power of the gaze of Christ set in motion the addressing of this issue in the heart and life of Peter, a need that would be essential if he would effectively, truly love and serve Christ.

In the case of Gideon, there was also a gaze…that of the Lord “upon” him. What was it about that gaze that gripped Gideon, and would move him to truly and honestly consider the unlikeliness and impossibility of him being the instrument by which Israel would be saved? Again, there must have been in Christ’s gaze that quiet, resolute strength and wholesomeness, that gripped Gideon when he heard the words: “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites…HAVE NOT I SENT THEE?” (v.14) So moved was he that he did not flee from the situation or calling, but honestly presented the “impossibility” of the endeavor to the One he addressed as “Lord.” It will be on the basis of that person gaze upon Gideon, with Gideon feeling the full import of it, along with the words of the Lord, that all would be set in motion for his calling being accepted and embraced. It is important to note that in both instances, when the Lord gazed upon Peter and Gideon, there was no condemnation, only the revelation of the intent, and purpose of a gracious, powerful, and loving God. Peter would be broken. Gideon would be inspired. Both men would go on to know and follow the Lord.

In the first chapter of Jeremiah, we find a similar “revelation” to the heart, although in this instance it is the personal word of Christ to the heart. In this chapter, we find that Jeremiah uses over and over again, the phrase: “…the word of the Lord came…,” and “…unto me.” (v.2, 4) In verse 7, Jeremiah writes with great simplicity and clarity: “But the Lord said unto ME…” Here is the personal dealing by God with his servant, Jeremiah. He is speaking to the individual heart, and the address is crystal clear. Why? Because, as in the case of Peter and Gideon, all of these men needed to know that God was intimately acquainted with all of their ways, the situation at hand, and His personal purpose and design for each. For the realization of His purpose, each individual must be absolutely persuaded of God looking upon them, and speaking to them. In each instance, the essential call is the same, “Follow Me.” It may apply to the building of the church, or the deliverance from the Midianites, or even the salvation of Israel from itself. In every instance, dealing with completely different individuals at different times, addressing different needs, the personal need is the same, to KNOW the gaze of Christ upon them, and the word of God to them.

Dear Father, give us grace to live by faith under Your gracious, and wonderfully good gaze. Speak to our hearts through Thy word in accents clear and still. Make us to KNOW that all that You are is actively engaged in every word that You declare. Our call is to believe and to follow. Then, we shall know Thee increasingly for Thy pleasure and glory. We thank and praise Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love, Dad