Few things are as humiliating as being overlooked. During my grade school years, I sometimes felt like the invisible boy, whose comments in groups often seemed ignored. I felt a certain affinity with the woodwork in a room, amidst my more popular or talkative classmates. But, whether ignored by teachers or classmates, I clearly see that i've never been truly overlooked.

"He does not remove His gaze from the righteous, but He seats them forever with enthroned kings, and they are exalted." (Job 36.7 Holman)

Whether wallflowers or social butterflies, we do not escape the notice of our Father. We are keenly observed, and highly prized; we share in the ranks of royalty. No monarch or aristocrat has anything over on us. As humble servants of the King, we've been lifted up to high places in His great government. We're the ultimate rags to riches story.

Great as all this sounds, it's difficult to wrap our minds around the true reality. His prince or princess feels more like a pauper in this age. Citizens and rulers of the age to come are overlooked by the powerful and influential today. Even worse, we face oppression and opposition. The exalted ones of the age to come share a kindred spirit with those in the hall of fame of the faithful - "men (and women) of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11.38).

Look up, kingdom citizen. You are not, and will not be, overlooked. Your Father looks upon you with unflinching eyes. He neither blinks nor is distracted. And, that puts life's experiences is a fresh perspective. Seeming setbacks are not accidents that occurred when He wasn't looking. He is keenly aware of all circumstances, and stands ready - so much as we are wiling to participate - to weave them into the fabric of kingdom character in our lives. 

We are not overlooked, but instead are prized and exalted by the King. Celebrate your status, and live victoriously for Him today.

Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011