Tuesday, April 26, 2016
I read this short but interesting verse recently: “They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” (John12:21) This is the account about some Greek believers who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Passover a few days before Jesus was crucified. They came to Philip, one of His disciples with their request. They wanted to see Jesus.
Over two thousand years have passed since that event and there are still people everywhere who want to see Jesus. If you, like Philip, have been asked a similar question, I congratulate you. For people to ask you questions about God, your faith, your church, or simply ask you for prayer, is an indication that others have seen Christ in you. There is really no secret or complicated formula to follow in order to reach this status. If you love and trust the Lord with all your heart, you in turn will love others. Then, the love that you have for them will be made manifest to them when they see that you really know God, and that you care for them as well. The love of Christ in us is what compels us to want to do things for others and folks never forget who the people are in their lives who are always there to help them in times of trouble, do favors for them, give them a helping hand, offer a word of encouragement, or remind them that they are praying for them.
I am reminded of a lovely hymn of long ago whose chorus makes this urgent appeal: “Let others see Jesus in you / Let others see Jesus in you / Keep telling the story, be faithful and true / Let others see Jesus in you” If you open your eyes of faith it won’t be too hard for you to see that there are people in your life who, even if they don’t say the words, are just longing to see and know Christ. The next time you see that door open to you, I pray you will walk in. When you do, you’ll be reminded of the joy one feels when given the chance to share Jesus with others, not to mention the great honor and privilege. Can others see Jesus in you?
Memory verse for the week: (Isaiah 41:10) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
