FACES

Four boys sat in the floor waiting to see Jesus from the men in the room.  It wasn't a church service or a revival meeting, just a family gathering along with a few friends.  They didn't know the men well, but knew some of their background, and were ready to see something different than the man-influences in their own homes and lives.

They didn't get to see Him.  The boys didn't see Jesus because the men didn't show Him.

It was sad for me that the four in the floor missed out, but it was heart-breaking for me that selfish, prideful hearts kept these men from one day seeing the faces.

Then he showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me

So many faces that my life had led to calvary

All those years I thought nobody saw as I labored in lowly places

That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces.

Our friends, Ricky and Sheena spent some time with us a while back and he shared this song with us by Greater Vision.  It stirred something deep inside me to want this, not just for me, but for all those I love so much.

I dreamed my life was done

I stood before God's son

It was time to see what my reward would be

With love he reviewed my life

To count what was done for Christ

For that is what will last eternally

See I'd done my best to share

That Jesus really cares

And He would save if they just believe

Oh, but seldom did harvest come

And so few did I see won

Until the lord said, "turn around and see."

Then He showed me the faces.

Oh my word.

How many times have we failed at showing grace when others were watching to see how we might handle things?  It starts at home.  It could possibly be that some mom and dad standing before the Lord, turn to see that their children are not faces in the group behind them.   They lived something different at home than they did in public.

Shame on them.

The enemy is out to get the souls of our children.  He must go through us to get to them. If we are not standing kneeling on their behalf, fighting for them, then they are open targets.

If we are not living Jesus in front of them, our prayers become token prayers on their behalf.  It is easy to think that we are doing well because we are "doing God's work" in big places, not thinking that our homes are our first responsibility.  It is our greatest responsibility.

And for those years you thought

Nobody saw as you labored in lowly places

One day he'll smile and show you all the faces.

... the faces... you'll see their faces!

Those men may never have another chance to influence the lives of those boys.  They  missed the opportunity to make a difference.  Unless they take advantage of another time, the four faces that could have been in the crowd behind them won't be there.