Perspective…
How do I percieve Jesus, when I want to think of Him, how do I do it???
What works, what doesn't?
Typically when I want to remember a time I had with a friend, I try to replay the moment in my head, visually representing the event that created that good memory. Its easy for me to visualise this and comfortably relive that moment.
Last night I was thinking about how do I translate that to Jesus? How do I see Him? Do I see Him as the guy I grew up drawing in Sunday school? Do I see Him as Jim Caviezel in "The Passion of the Christ"?
Those images don't work for me. Seeing a 4 color Jesus in blue/green/red and yellow crayon doesn't work, seeing a picture at church of Jesus doesn't work.
What works for me is picturing the kids I encountered in El Salvador at our worksite and everywhere we went. Seeing kids at Young Life having a good time, not sure why more and more are showing up, knowing the reason isn't me, knowing that He is bringing them there. Seeing Dads play with their kids on my block, as to which I am very excited for tonight, on Halloween the Dads on my block all get together and travel around in a group of 8-10 and accompany their kids as they go do to door. Hearing stories from Dr. John Perkins about his journey of life and where it has brought him. What works for me is spending 4 hours on a golf course soaking in His beauty and creation in peace and quiet, pausing only so often to make a swing. Having a few friends over this weekend to help me sheetrock, not asking for anything in return, just chipping in what they can of their time. Seeing Jesus in the community that comes out of times like that.
The list goes on and on.. And the cool part is it doesn't even begin to fully capture the picture of Jesus that is out there. There are more stories to hear, more children to hear giggle, more community to be built stronger…
I am interested in hearing people's thoughts on how they percieve Jesus, or picture Him when they want to seek Him, think of Him…
I usually think of my homeless friend who died.
When I think about Him, I perceive Jesus to be normal. Laid back. Your typical everyday dude. A renaissance man. A ladies man.
Didn't care much about His appearance; but He was hot. I'm a sucker for that rugged look.
I picture Him on a motorcycle. Even though He preferred to walk. And, well, they didn't have Harley's in the B.C. Has a great sense of humor. Looks everyone in the eye. He's confident. A loner. Appreciates solitude. Yet is thrilled to be among groups of people. Particular, but open.
When I seek Him, He reminds me of a whisper. Like when you're telling a secret and you don't want anyone else to hear. He's excited and all ears. Concerned. Sincere.
That's how I perceive Jesus.
those are great thoughts…
Without trying to sound too much like a hippie- lately I haven't pictured god and Jesus as men- with the recent events in my life- I look around and see them every where in everything- in a smile from a passerby, in a sunset over the pacific, in a favorite coffee spot. I have seen their work in so many different ways recently that they don't carry a human image to me rather a feeling of confidence in the unknown and a feeling security.
I swear I am not a hippie