Scripture for Today:  Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”

There are hundreds of varieties of apples available in Alsace.  No wonder apple tartes are such a common dessert here!  Their names are just as beautiful as the fruit; Belle de Pontoise, Ariane, Nonpareil, and my favorite…Coeur de Boeuf  (Heart of Beef) just to name a few.  Their apple cider vinegar tastes wonderful and I have a new appreciation for homemade applesauce!

Our Scripture for today mentions an apple, but of course a different kind.  The apple of the eye refers to the central aperture of the eye.  The phrase, “apple of the eye” is used to describe someone who is loved and cherished.

We are the apple of His eye as we are loved and cherished.  One of the names of God conveys this truth; the name, “El Roi” meaning, “God Who Sees.”  It was first used with Hagar in Genesis 16.  Being the apple of His eye means that He not only sees but He cares.

David knew that he was the apple of God’s eye, loved and cherished.  In Psalm 139 he recognizes that God saw the slightest detail.  God even saw when David was sitting or standing (verse 2).

I never have to wonder if God sees.  I am always in His line of vision.  Our verse actually gives two images.  They both have the same idea of protection.  Nothing gets past the God who sees.  I am the apple of His eye and He loves me.  Nothing comes into my life without His knowledge and permission.

God sees when that sparrow falls. (Matt. 10:29)  As the apple of His eye I am worth so much more!  “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!”