EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU JESUS?

September 29 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2

The story is told of some salesmen rushing through an airport to barely catch their plane.  In the process, one accidentally knocked over a table loaded with apples.  All kept going except one compassionate man who ended up missing his flight when he returned to help retrieve the apples.  He found a blind 16 year old girl crying, groping for the apples while uncaring crowds passed by.  The salesman kindly knelt down to pick up the errant and bruised fruit and rearranged it on her table.  He gave her $ 40 to make up for her losses and said, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly!”  As he walked away, she cried out, “Mister, are you Jesus?”  Wow!  Has anyone ever mistaken you for Jesus? 

As born again Christians in Jesus Christ, we bear His name.  Furthermore the Father’s purpose in saving us is that we might be conformed into Jesus’ image and likeness (Romans 8:28-29).  Just how will we and others know that we are actually making progress on this goal? 

We will love others like Jesus (John 13:34-35).  We will live holy lives (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15; Psalm 97:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).  We will humbly serve God and others (Matthew 20:25-28).  We will exhibit Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 12:19).  We will seek out the lost (Luke 19:10). 

Don’t ever quit or get discouraged as you seek to be like Jesus!  If He has begun His good work of salvation in your life, He WILL complete it when we get to glory (Philippians 1:6).  That’s His promise!  Maybe even today someone will say to you, “Mister/Madam, are you Jesus?” 

Bob Kulp