If Jesus Christ showed up in your life today, at your church, job, or neighborhood, would you recognize him?

Would he stand out?

When he came the first time, he was of no reputation.  He didn’t stand out.

He didn’t hand out business cards.

He didn’t dress like a wealthy man.

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7-8

Would you notice him?

Would he look like the perfect gift to you?

Would you see the treasure that is in him?

Or would you ignore him?

If he asked for a drink of water from your water bottle, would you freely offer it to him?

If he asked you for money, would you walk on by or would you reach into your pocket and give him some dollar bills?

If he had no where to go, would you buy him a hotel room for the night? Or would you invite him to stay at your home on your couch for a night or a week or indefinately?

If he didn’t look dressed for church, or the office, or presentable to go to dinner, would you sit next to him?

Would you avoid him or try to prevent him from sitting in the most desired seat, where the wealthy in your community, or church, or the most esteemed in your job or neighborhood sit?  Would you willingly give him your seat?

Would you stop him from walking to the front of the church and taking the microphone to read the scriptures out loud?  Would you stop him from speaking from the pulpit, or leading the church in singing?

If he tried to share his gifts and talents would you let him?  Would you have eyes to see the perfect gift of God?

Would you have room in YOUR ministry for him?

Would you pass over his gifts, would your mind be clouded by his appearance and lack of degrees and fame?  Would you prevent him from handling the offering plate, or greeting others at the door, or even sitting up front in a noticable seat?

If he tried to speak up and tell you that he must share his gifts anyway possible, would you let him?  Or would you let him know he is not a good fit for your church, let him know you will pray for him, and wish him luck to move on and find a church he is a “better fit” for?

Do you even know the voice of the master?

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Would you recognize him?

Would you recognize someone he sent in his place?

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and fed you? or thirsty, and gave you drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and took you in? or naked, and clothed you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came to visit you?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”   Matthew 25:34-40

 

I pray that each of us can recognize each and every opportunity to be a blessing to those in need, and that we can see Jesus Christ in each person.  I pray we are found worthy and faithful servants, and we will hear those precious eternal words, “Come ye blessed of my Father.”

Be wise and be blessed!