Jesus

I know so many people who never really give anyone a chance. There is for whatever reason, distrust, mistrust, suspicion, cynisicm you name it something keeps us away from others. It no different as a Christian ya know. I also know many people who just cant or wont bring themselves to hear Jesus out. Granted as Christians we have screwed his image up. But lets look past us and at him. I know I myself am a professional hypocrit most of the time, but lets not put my actions on trial now. Lets move past the perceptions and look at Jesus. I think most everyone in the world would agree he was different and I dont know many people who when looking at Jesus' words, deeds and teachings would claim hypocracy. WIth that said can I say He just isnt who we all claim him to be in one way or another.

He suffered. From the time he was born he was on the run from someone trying to attack and kill him.
He hurt. His family, friends, followers...all failed him. Al questioned him. All in some way sold him out.
He longed. He wanted it to be different. He wanted it to be better. He hated the brokenness of life.
He lived the life we live. He was tempted by everything we are temped with. Lust, power, anger...life.
He died. Not just died, but was killed. Horribly. He was beaten, mocked, scroned by people who days earlier claimed to worship him. He bleed. He could have used some asprin, a band aid, a hug. He knew torture and pain.

Jesus was not without understanding of our lives.

You know, every other religion in the world has this long long list of how I have to live and what i need to do to make God like me, let alone even think about loving me. Every other school of thought pounds and presses me to push myself, better myself and gain for myself. BUT Jesus is different. And I loose this so often. I forget so many days, that He is not like that.

Jesus is unique. His life shows us the God of GRACE. The God who knows I am lowsey and messed up. The God who knows I can never fulfill what he requires. THe God who knows I am not holy or righteous or any other pias word. He realizes i would fail his test thuroughly. I would not qualify for anything he has to offer.

And so there is Jesus, who scriputre calls the image of the invisible God. There is Love, which is exemplified in dying for someone else-especially your enemy. And there is Grace-unmerrited, unworthy forgiveness and love.

I am a Christian and yet I forget about Grace. I forget who I worship. I forget what He knows about me, that he suffers along side me, hurts when I hurt, longs when I long, lived through my experiences and more and died the death that I deserve. I forget that he first loved me and not with words but with truth and deeds.

What a difference that message makes from the lies we inadvertanatly spread. What a difference it makes in me.

Forgive me for finding my identity in anything other than you. Forgive me for my idolatry, for worshipping myself, and a false representation of you.

I remember my first love. Jesus...the one who loves me enough to remind me.

Stephen