Do you remember what we used to call “Kodak Moments?” A look from someone, good or bad, that is indelibly etched into your brain forever. Remember when you were a kid and your mom gave you “that look?” Remember her smile when you did good? How about a teacher who gave you a “dirty look.” All of us have either given or received “a look” to or from someone.
Getting or giving a “look” has been the source of many conversations through the years. How about sayings like, “You can’t trust anyone who doesn’t look you in the eye while you’re talking to them.” Here’s another old cliché: “The eyes are the window to the soul.” We can even find “the look” in God’s Word:
In Exodus 3:6 (NIV) we find that “. . . He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” In both Matthew 19 and Mark 10 we find the story of the rich young ruler and Jesus. Mark 10:21 tells us that “Jesus looked at him and loved him.”
Most will recall the story found in Luke 22 where Jesus told Peter he would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed. Verses 56 – 60 describes the three denials. In verse 61, “Scripture tells us that after Peter had denied Him the third time in the courtyard, he remembered Jesus’ words. BUT THEN THE LOOK . . . “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.” Peter’s response was that he “. . . went outside and wept bitterly.”
If you are empty inside and have been denying Him . . . I wonder how Jesus would look at you or me. Would it be a look of disappointment, love, compassion, forgiveness, or understanding? Would He see the same thing when you and I are with friends, at work, the store, or a ball game?
In our memories there are little snapshots of detail which are indelibly etched into our minds. We can see the occurrences clearly and it is likely we will never forget them. With them, we have feelings frozen into our existence ready to thaw when the memory is called upon. Some of these frozen memories are good. Some are bad. I’m guessing Peter had a list as well: 24 hours without catching fish— dry run; meeting Jesus; Jesus the carpenter telling Peter, the professional fisherman—how to catch fish; all the miracles; the Last Supper; or that PIERCING LOOK.
In verse 61, it says, “The Lord turned . . .” When Jesus looked at Peter, this was not an accidental glance nor was it a casual happen-stance passing look. He turned and faced Peter directly. It was intentional. He “. . . looked straight at Peter.” We might even say, He stared intently at Peter. He was looking right into Peter’s soul. It was as if time had stood still. In this highly exaggerated moment, there was no one else in creation except Jesus and Peter. Can you remember a time when He confronted you and looked at you that way?
The result for Peter was a broken heart. In verse 62 we find that Peter “wept bitterly.” I’m guessing that the tears flowed uncontrollably. Here’s this big, tough, self-confident fisherman reduced to tears. Like us, Peter had to look inside, and the reality was not pretty. It was painful.
Like us, he would have liked to be anyone else right then. I wonder if that is why so many of us wear masks. We don’t want others to see us in pain or shedding tears. We search for hope, but none is found. We listen to the preacher’s appeals from God’s Word to deal with sin, but we put on our mask, and act as if all is well. After all, what would people think if I responded with tears
Women understand that a good cry can make you feel better. Men understand that “big boys don’t cry.” If Jesus walked into the room where you are reading this, what He would see in you and me? If He stopped, turned, and stared directly into your eyes—into your heart and soul—would He be pleased with what He saw, or would your life and mine break His heart?
If this is one of your Kodak Moments . . . what look will He give you?
Always in His Service,
Pastor Ron
Fellowship Church of the Nazarene