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Once upon a time I had a very bad cold. Sinuses clogged up. Coughing. Sneezing. Fever. More aches and pain than normal, which is saying a lot. Going from hot to cold and back again. Worst of all, I was watching far more daytime TV than anyone ever should. (Feeling sorry for me yet?)
One day I dragged myself out of bed, staggered down the hall, and collapsed onto the sofa in our den. I reached out to the coffee table and grabbed that wonderful invention that's the desire of men everywhere---the remote control. I looked at it lovingly. No longer was I forced to watch what others wanted me to see. Now I had our family movies, and one was waiting in the DVD player.
Smiling happily, I wondered what treasure might soon appear on the darkened screen before me. I hit Play and there it was in all its glory. Finding Nemo, the tale of a father's search for his lost son. Well, sorta. They're fish. But hey, it's an animated movie. Much of the story focuses on Marlin and Dory, a clown fish and a blue tang for those keeping score.
Though I'd seen this a thousand times, tears welled up in my eyes. Was the surge of emotion due to the heartwarming story or that at long last it wasn't Oprah, Dr. Phil or Spongebob Squarepants? Perhaps it was just the medicine finally kicking in. We may never know.
As the movie's climax, Marlin believes his son is dead, his quest tragically at an end. As he slowly swims away from Dory, she realizes she needs his friendship and help. She isn't complete without him and begs him to stay. Dory looks at Marlin and says, "I look at you...and I'm home."
I love that line! That's how it should be among God's people. Whether in church, the neighborhood, or a grocery store, there should be something different when we meet each other. We should feel different and sense something different in those we call our brothers and sisters in Christ.
When Peter "reminded" Jesus that the Disciples had left everything to follow Him, Jesus replied,
No one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life. (Luke 18:29-30) We often focus on the "age to come", but notice He also said, "in this age." He wasn't talking about houses, but something different---a difference founded on loving and encouraging each other.
A man's brother and wife die in a tragic accident. As he prepares for the funeral, someone from his church shows up to shine his shoes---A lady is injured, leaving her in a wheelchair, unable to care for herself. A Christian friend shows up and gives her a neck and arm massage---An elderly couple become very ill. Their Bible study group shows up to mow their lawn.
Christians should take care of each other. We are part of a family others need to see. We love each other by "doing" something...by sharing our lives...by showing up.
Jesus said, If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)
That's it! We will make our home with him. That's the difference. It's Immanuel, God with us. We may share our hopes, dreams, sorrows, pain and failures...we may do many things for many people, encouraging and supporting them. But there's a difference within us---the very presence of God---a connection that joins those in His family. And it's a difference that will lead others to say:
When I look at you, I see my Heavenly Father, Lord and Friend in your life...and I'm home.
Are you different? Look at those around you. Are they home?
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