Soft Focus Lenses

Do you remember pictures from the 70's and early 80's? There were always those images that had the bride and groom(or whatever subject matter), mainly the bride, with a dreamy glow about her. The image was in focus, yet not tack sharp, the way we take most pictures today. There were lenses(and still are: Canon 135mm f2.8 with soft focus) that created this effect. The idea was to create a dreamy image that eliminated harsh lines and unflattering details while capturing the essence or mood of the subject.

Our modern High Definition TV's or 4K TV's show every little detail, flattering or not! The goal is to have the sharpest image possible regardless of what is in focus. Every flaw exposed. Every detail is projected into our minds in order to affect some desired thought or action. And we are captivated by them. Not just the TV's but the images. Just look at all the "click-bait" on every website or social media site. There is usually a HD image that is put there to pique your curiosity and get you to click on it. Then a myriad of other images cascade to keep you on their site. And then the possible damage is done. Not just to your brain with stuff you'd probably be better off not seeing, but often times with bugs for your computer! (this is not a blog about the dangers of "click-bait" but a greater danger).

Through what 'lens' are you viewing the world around you? The harsh truth of every moment of our lives may be that we are seeing life's moments through a lens that warps or distorts reality.
One lens that seems to be prevalent today is the lens of fear. There is so much chaos in the world and fear causes us to retreat into a world of diametrically opposed sides. We fear what we think the other side represents, so we retreat, and surround ourselves with people who use a similar lens through which to evaluate all of life. And before long we no longer have conversations with anyone who may be different than us. Our world becomes mono-centric. We see detail in the lives of others, like constant High Definition, and the brutal details and people don't have a place in our world.

Jesus lived in a similar world. He didn't need High Definition to probe into the depths of the broken world views and hearts. The world He stepped into was diametrically opposed to most things. And there were labels for all things so you knew where to stand or not too. Scribes, Pharisees, Sinners, Tax-Collectors, Gentiles, Jews, Romans, Samaritans. Each had a circle they would find solace in and lines drawn as to who could cross them.

But Jesus saw through the lens of Grace. "All who are weary come to Me and find rest." Weary from what? A mono-centric life of fear. A life that constantly buttresses the boundary. Fear of the diametrically opposed. Fear of someone different. Jesus looked and saw the depths of the sin and brokenness and said, "come to Me." Jesus knew that the ultimate boundary was sin. Sin that kept people from seeing the Father clearly. Sin that kept people from the Father. And He became the Lens. A person that comes to Jesus is seen by the Father through the sacrifice of the Son. That is Grace.

What lens are you viewing life through? It may be time for an equipment upgrade.