Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 February 2005 03:38:37
I went to the park last night and saw someone who reminds me of Jesus. I've seen him at the market. Long pony tail, flannel shirt, full beard, and a larger than life magnatism that draws people to him. He wandered around, hands in pockets, greeting stall holders and shoppers. He didn't take two steps without meeting someone else he seemed to really like. And everyone wanted to talk to him. Not about anything important, just the kids and the cricket club and the local theatre production. I noticed him. I've never met him, but I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to ask him if he knew Jesus, because I saw Jesus in him.
Last night he was having a Barbeque. I recognised him instantly. He chatted to everyone who came up to use the BBQ. The mums in jeans and neat sweaters, the big old man in builders overalls and a beanie, the people with dreads and oversized, fuzzy, woollen jumpers. Then the other person who reminds me of Jesus arrived. This guy can turn any party conversation quite naturally to the things of God, and everyone listening is really interested, and wants to hear more. Once at a wedding (good biblical precedent there) someone asked him if he'd rather eat junk food and die early, or eat healthy and live long. He replied, "I hear what you're saying and I see where you are going, but I tell you, the key to life is forgiveness." And on he went, and it was fascinating. It ended with him having a very long chat in the corner with someone who wanted to know more.
So the two guys who remind me of Jesus had a really big long chat as they cooked their sausages over one of those really slow, electric, council provided barbeques.
I wish I was like them. I wish I could chat to anyone, and make them feel special. I'm hopeless at meeting people, and chatting to strangers. I don't listen and I talk way to much about myself. But I'm going to take a guess that not everyone who became a follower of Jesus did so by talking directly to him. There were people at the park last night, walking their dogs, standing at a distance, staring at the others who were chatting. How did people like that become followers of Jesus?
I really believe it takes a whole team of people to represent Jesus. Different people with different gifts all put together to show everyone what Jesus is like, and to teach us each, how to be more like him.
Now how do I learn to be more like him, without trying to be something I'm not?