By Grace Andrews of Blue Springs, Missouri, USA
Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
There once was a lonely, miserable man who asked himself, “Why am I so unhappy?”
A voice came saying, “Because you do not see or hear. What if you knew one of your neighbors was actually the Messiah?”
He thought, “That’s ridiculous! My neighbors could not possibly be the Messiah. They are lazy, prideful, constantly occupied with their cell phones...”
Nevertheless, he began watching them and saw acts of kindness and care among them. They looked so happy. He wondered if that was the key, so he looked for ways he might help others. His eyes took on a new light; the bounce returned to his step; he moved with purpose. When asked about his changed attitude, he simply said, “All I know is things changed when I started seeing Jesus in my neighbors.”
This man almost missed Jesus because he didn’t know what Jesus looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they knew exactly what he should look like. Artists portray him as tall, striking with a great physique, wearing a beautiful white robe—fresh from the cleaners—with a drop-dead gorgeous smile. According to Isaiah 53, that is likely far from the truth.
Jesus was a Jew. He blended in with the people—dark olive skin; short, curly, black hair; a prominent nose. He likely stood about 5’1” (1.55 meters), weighing about 120 pounds (54.4 kg). Jesus had ordinary looks, dirty hands, and sweat-stained shirts. He was neighbor, carpenter, friend. On a morning after a night in the hills, he did not show up in a nearby village clean shaven, teeth brushed, nice cologne, neatly dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and tie. He probably wore a simple hand-woven robe made by his mother. People were attracted to Jesus because of His message, His mission. They were encouraged when He spoke of peace and love and joy and hope.
Where do we find this Jesus? He might be our next-door neighbor.
Prayer Phrase
“…my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).
Spiritual Practice
Light
Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.