Learning to See as God Sees

While I prepare these devotions each week, I am also praying over the texts for sermon preparation. This week I have been praying over and studying these texts:

1 Samuel 16:1‑13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8‑14; John 9:1‑41

During Lent, we often pray for clearer vision—eyes to see God, ourselves, and our neighbors with honesty and grace. The scriptures for this week invite us into that kind of seeing. They remind us that God’s light exposes what is hidden, heals what is broken, and calls us into a new way of living.

Seeing as God Sees (1 Samuel 16:1‑13)

When Samuel is sent to anoint the next king, he looks at Jesse’s oldest son and thinks, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord” (1 Samuel 16:6, NRSVue). But God gently corrects him: “the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (v. 7).

David is chosen not because he looks the part, but because God sees something deeper. God’s anointing rests on those who are willing, humble, and open to grace.

Lent invites us to ask: What do we see when we look at others? Do we see as God sees, or do we judge by appearances?

Walking in the Shepherd’s Light (Psalm 23)

Psalm 23 reminds us that God’s guidance is not harsh or hurried. “He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (v. 3). Even in the darkest valleys, God’s presence is steady and sure. The Shepherd’s light is not blinding, it is comforting. It helps us take the next faithful step. It teaches us to trust that God is with us, even when our own vision is limited.

Living as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8‑14)

Paul writes, “For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Light is not just something we receive, it becomes something we share.

Light reveals truth.
Light exposes what harms us.
Light helps us grow.

Paul’s call is simple: Wake up. Rise. Let Christ shine on you. Lent is a season for that kind of awakening.

Eyes Opened by Christ (John 9:1‑41)

The story of the man born blind brings all these themes together. Jesus sees him, heals him, and sends him. His physical eyes are opened in a moment, but his spiritual sight grows slowly as he encounters questions, resistance, and even rejection.

Meanwhile, the Pharisees—who believe they see clearly—remain blind to the work of God happening right in front of them.

The healed man eventually meets Jesus again, and this time he sees him with the eyes of faith. He says, “Lord, I believe” (v. 38). His healing becomes a testimony to the light of Christ.

Lent invites us to ask: Where do we need Christ to open our eyes? What fears or assumptions keep us from seeing the truth?

---

Questions for Reflection and Action

• Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to “see as God sees” rather than relying on outward appearances?
• What areas of darkness—fear, confusion, old habits—need the gentle light of Christ?
• How might you live as a child of light this week, offering grace, truth, or compassion to someone who needs it?

Let us pray...

Holy God, open our eyes to your presence and your truth.
Shine your light into the places where we are afraid to look.
Heal our blindness and guide our steps.
Anoint us with your Spirit so that we may see as you see,
love as you love, and walk in the light of Christ.
Lead us in your paths, today and always. Amen.