Perception
Jeff and I sat in the ER, urgently waiting for his doctor. I looked up, above the door, and saw a “Catholic crucifix.” My first thought was, Oh yeah, this is Sacred Heart, a Catholic hospital. OUR crosses are empty. Jesus is risen.
Gently, but firmly, the Holy Spirit caught me mid-thought. Was this my perception? Was this cross only a statement of Protestant vs. Catholic? Did it speak nothing to my heart?
You know that Catholics also believe in the resurrection, too, God whispered to my heart. I recognized my shortsighted perception. This crucifix is a snapshot in time. Jesus endured the cross. Fix your eyes on Him!
I told Jeff my new perception as we continued to wait. I looked up Hebrews 12 on my phone and read the powerful words. Fix your eyes on Him! This was a balm to us both. Considering the cross helped us keep hope alive right there in the ER waiting room.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV).
How many times do we limit God’s comfort through our perception? What if we challenged ourselves to understand a different point of view? I will never look at that “Catholic cross” the same way again. When I see it, I will remember what Jesus did for the joy set before Him.
I thank God for giving me a clearer perception.
His ways are higher than mine!
Good message.
Being Catholic, I am really grateful for this!