Sunday, January 27, 2013
By: Brandon Bilbo
My Picture of Jesus
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."
I don't know what your picture of Jesus is. Most of the times I've seen him depicted in artwork, He looks very somber. I have rarely seen artwork as I picture Him. I imagine Jesus with a bright smile on His face surrounded by people filled with anticipation.
I even imagine Him to be fun to be around! Think about it. He was the kind of guy who was a friend to the friendless-people that no one else wanted to be around. He was the kind of guy that was invited to every party, and people went to the party because they knew He would be there. He was frequently surrounded by children-He HAD to be fun!
In today's verse, the disciples were actually being corrected for trying to keep the children from Jesus. You see, Jesus was very much about God's business and teaching the Word of God, but He also took time to slow down and simply SHOW God's love.
I just love spending time with my two-year-old son. There are times when I am able to make him laugh so hard that his entire body tenses up, his face and head turn red, and he produces a gut-wrenching chuckle. At this point, it doesn't matter who you are or what mood you are in, there is no way that you can hear that laugh and not join in!
This is the kind of joy that Jesus wants us to all have. The Bible says that Jesus came to give us all "life and life more abundantly." He wants to give you a joy and peace that even in the midst of trouble, turmoil, heartache and pain, in the face of adversity, and in high stress situations, you can still find a reason to smile.
Sometimes, we just have to stop and be thankful for the little things and realize that as bad as we may have it, it could be worse. We are blessed. As hard as it may be today, my challenge for everyone is to find something to laugh about, and give thanks to God for abundant life.
Dear Lord, I thank You for the abundant life that You not only promised, but that You have given me. Help me walk in Your joy, know Your peace, and live life to the fullest.
I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen
