The Likeness of Us All

As I sit in the Dubai airport people watching, I am once again struck by how alike we all are. Men, women, children. Muslim, Hindu, Christian. Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, and other religions. And yet, all are  pacing, set on the same goal: get to our gates to go to our next destination. Many are talking to their traveling companions or looking at their phones to feel a sense of connection with others. We all have the same longings for friendship, family, belonging, and love.

      Though I am seeing people pass by from possibly over 150 nations, everyone is peaceful and not bothered by our ethnic, religious, and other differences. For this moment, we have laid aside our prejudices and wounds. If only we could always do this!

     Suddenly, I am aware that God is intimately acquainted with every person. As Psalm 139:1-12 says, He knows our every thought, action, and motivation. He longs to love every person I am seeing. For me, they are just hundreds of passing strangers. To God, they are all people He knows intimately and intentionally died on the cross for the sins of every person in this airport. How He longs that each would turn their hearts toward Him and connect with the lover of their souls.

     “Sweet Jesus, grow my heart of compassion for all people. Seeing each person for the beauty you have created in them. Set those I am seeing now free from darkness that they will be redeemed and taken out of captivity to become your sons and daughters.”

      Next time you have a chance to people watch, ask God to give you His heart for the people you are seeing.Then pray for their eyes to be opened to their Creator who longs to be their Savior and loving Shepherd.

       “When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd” ( Matthew 9:36, CSB).