Eye of the Beholder

“. . . for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)

Opinions differ; what one person sees as beautiful, another may see as plain or ugly. Some people see wildflowers as weeds, a nuisance, while others intentionally grow them for their natural beauty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The eye’s pupil (apple), the small dark circle in the center, is priceless; the lens and eyelid cover the eye for protection. God made us in His likeness. His eyes are always on us; He loves, covers, and protects His children—we are precious in His sight. Psalm 17 describes David’s understanding of the significance of the eye’s protected apple while fleeing his enemies, seeking shelter under the shadow of God’s wings. God covers and keeps safe the apple of His eye—those He treasures.

Some of the Creator’s children are like weeds; others are like wildflowers. Whether weed or wildflower—no matter how weedy or needy—we are all precious in God’s sight. He loves and protects us. But when anyone mistreats His treasured ones, they have touched “the apple of His eye.” Jesus said how we treat others is the same as doing it to Him (Matthew 25:34–46). That thought should cause us to think twice before “touching”—treat unkindly, neglect, or harm—the apple of God’s eye, His prized possession.