Today’s Reading
“He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”(Deuteronomy 32:10 ESV)
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8 ESV)

Recently, I overheard a dad tell his daughter she was the apple of his eye. How sweet it was to see God’s Word illustrated in the flesh. Take note parents and lovebirds alike, “the apple of my eye” is no ordinary sentiment. It flows straight from the heart of God and finds form in the words of Deuteronomy 32:10. As a first mention in the Bible, “apple of His eye” is significant in establishing an unchangeable truth. The verse describes the reality of our Heavenly Father’s nearness to His children, surrounding and caring for them with unwavering focus. As adopted children of God grafted into His family through faith in His Son, we may assume the same.

In this Old Testament phrase the Hebrew word for apple refers to the pupil of an eye, most likely due to their similar shapes. It’s representative of what is most precious and jealously protected. For instance, imagine a rock flying toward your face. You would instinctively protect your eye. It’s intrinsic to who you are. With that in mind it’s interesting to note this word for apple, which refers to the pupil, can be translated as little man of the eye. Take a close look at your own pupils in the mirror and see why. You’ll find that whatever you focus on is reflected in them. As Jesus sees you, He sees a reflection of Himself. As the Father focuses on you, He sees an image of Himself, the image of Christ. As God’s child, you are the center of His unwavering, adoring focus or the apple of His eye.

Reflect
Ask the Lord to help you see yourself in the center of His focus. Picture Him looking at you. You sense no fear, no condemnation, no guilt, no shame – that was all taken care of on the cross- just the most powerful sense of acceptance and overwhelming love radiating from His presence toward you. Thank Him for how He has wrapped you in His robe of righteousness.

Prayer
Father God, thank you so much for who we are in your constant and compassionate sight. We ask you to please heal our perspective to perceive ourselves and others as you do. Until we see your eyes face to face, our hearts are wide open to you, Lord Jesus. In your unshakable name we pray. Amen.