Transformed – teen devotion – June 12, 2022
One truth shared: Facial expressions and attention from those we love communicate powerfully to us. God communicates something to us when he turns his face toward us.
The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:22-26
Blessed by a Look
You never forget how it feels. It is something that you just can’t forget. You are so excited to see someone near and dear to you, so you run into the room, ready to be received with open arms and a bright smile, ready to be greeted with joy and gladness. You are so excited to see them, but as soon as you walk into the room, they look the other way and walk out. Suddenly you feel alienated and alone. It’s like a death sentence.
As you retreat to your corner, you wonder why they treated you that way. Was it something you said? Was it something you did? Why would they turn their back on you and give you such a cold shoulder?
We forget how powerful a look is until such a look is given to us. You might remember that from your younger days. You might even still experience that. A sideways glance from a peer. A glare from a mother. A shaking head from your father. These looks speak volumes to you about your standing with them. A look communicates something to us.
But it’s not just the negative looks. Smiles and attention speak to our hearts too. A warm glance. A bright smile. All the attention in your direction says something to us too. It says we’re loved. It says we’re welcomed. Such a look says, “You belong and I’m glad you’re here.”
The truth is God should look away. We’re too gross to look at. The stench of our sin and the ugliness of our rebellion should turn his face away from us. He should look away. And by that he would say to us, “You don’t belong here. Away from me!” That’s what kings in the days of the Old Testament were saying when they refused to turn their gaze toward someone who came into their throne room.
But instead of looking away, God does something else. He turns his face toward us. He looks at you. You! His attention, his energy, his care, and his love all beaming in your direction. With his look he welcomes you to come close. With this look he tells you that you belong. With this look he tells you that all your life is under his care and direction, for your eternal blessing.
Prayer: Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you should look away. But instead, you turn your face toward me and give your full attention to my care and my salvation. Thank you. Help me to live each day knowing that your face beams on me and is attentive to me. Amen.
