That Doesn't Look Like Me!

A young mother went to Mr. Duffy for him to do a portrait of her so her children would know what she looked like as a young lady. Mr. Duffy was known for his “idealized” paintings – painting his clients as they could be if they were “ideal”.

When she returned after several months of waiting, she was shocked by what she saw. Angrily she said, “That doesn’t look like me.”

“I know,” he replied graciously, “but try your best to look as lovely as it does.”

Mr. Duffy saw in the mother what she could become. And so, when he painted her portrait, he brought out the best in her, the “ideal.” He wanted to help her achieve her best.

One day after Andrew met and accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he brought Simon to meet Jesus. As Jesus looked intently at him He saw an “ideal” disciple and said, “You are Simon, the son of John – but you will be called Cephas (which means Peter).”

Jesus saw not only who Simon was but who he would become. That is the reason He gave him a new name. Peter was not always a “solid rock” throughout the Gospels but that is what he became “rock-solid” as he grew in Christ.

Christ always sees more in us than we see in ourselves. He sees us as we can be – rock-solid – in our walk with and witness for Him. Come. Follow Me!

Prayer: Lord, may we walk with You, in faith, believing that You have great plans for our lives. May we trust You completely and become “ideal” disciples. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).