The Apple of His Eye
My son came home from school excited to tell me about what he learned in science class. They are studying eyes. He carefully removed his hand-made diorama from his backpack, pointed to all of the eye parts, and explained how each one worked. The intricacies of the eye are incredible! Just another one of God’s amazing designs.
He explained that the pupil of the eye is the hole or window that allows light to reach our retinas. The pupil is also called the “apple” of the eye. Perhaps you’ve heard that term before? Metaphorically speaking, the “apple of my eye” refers to someone who is cherished and favored by another person.
"For the Lord ’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft."
Deuteronomy 32:9-11
Another name for Jacob is Israel — also the name of the land inherited by God’s people, the Israelites. The apple of His eye. We, God's children, are the apple of His eye! We are cherished by Him. Adored, favored, treasured. His light flows through us and penetrates the darkness. It triumphs over evil.
The pupil, however, has a weakness. It only works if there is nothing blocking it. Your eyes must be open to funnel in the light. We often stumble around with our eyes closed, feeling our way through the darkness. We feel overpowered by our circumstances and hardships. We listen to the lies of the enemy that often leave us feeling lost, alone, burdened, and troubled. We wander around the desert struggling to feel loved, valued, or accepted. If this is you, then open your eyes and pray this psalm today:
"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me…. As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness."
Psalm 17:6-8
