Jesus – Page 3 – Look, See, Pray

A very British treat… a stroll along the pier. You can’t hide a pier! It sticks out very obviously.

What shall I do at this pier? Perhaps an ice cream, and then sit relaxing as the sea performs its gentle mesmerising dance. Afterward, at low tide, a walk on the sands- and a revelation. Underneath is very different- and not “pretty” even though there are strong patterns.

Girders, support pillars, tension bars. Strong enough to see off a hundred winters, countless storms, and (mostly) the lack of maintenance. Such a harsh and unforgiving environment- and such a careful design by the engineers. Our pier may look a bit scruffy, but it’s surviving and giving pleasure to many visitors. Still.

Now, let’s consider the structure that makes a strong character- more specifically, that supports an enduring Christian character.

Our foundation must be Jesus Himself. Eternal truth and love who took humanity upon himself, and displays God to the world. To spend time BY CHOICE in His Presence is key.

What practical pillars does a mature Christian life depend on? Honest trusting faith, submission and obedience, plus a growing Bible knowledge and understanding. Being an active part of a community learning and loving together is essential. All these things are strong supports.

Then there is humility, selfless love, a willingness to forgive and be forgiven. Praise and prayer, spirituality with integrity, developing self-discipline, the attitude of gratitude, and more- all these add up to a life that becomes worship.

When we look at a Christian we respect and admire, we may at first only see the “public face.” However, unless there is strength and resilience beyond the public image, their faith may be hollow… Look more deeply.

One of the greatest gifts a mature Christian can “give away” is to honestly reveal their inner soul, and the practices that support the whole person. I have been privileged to have had some great role models who have been open (even about their struggles). After all, no-one scores 100% all the time!

St Paul was brave enough to tell others to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11 v1).

Jesus put it even more simply: he said “Follow me.”

Twelve disciples spent three years sharing life with Christ. Eleven gradually built strong and faithful character. One betrayed Jesus.

How am I going to build my living faith today? That’s always a really good question. How would you answer it?

Our search for a hero is expressed in so many ways… making idols of sporting teams, flirting with extremist politics, or obsession with the Hollywood myths- like Superman.

What a fabulous kite! Dipping and soaring on the wind, brightly coloured, ingeniously designed- but powerless. Much like the comic book universe that puts our longings into the box office. At one level, much religious activity is based on unfulfilled wishes- so “gods” were manufactured out of wood, stone, or precious metals. The forces of nature are seen as divine: spirits of trees, water, and fire. Even animals can be worshipped. Bulls are strong, lions are courageous, eagles are majestic…

In the 20th century, two colossal wars caused awful loss of life and dreadful destruction. No wonder fictional heroes gained even more attraction. Add the incredible “special effects” of modern film-making, and the impossible happens before our eyes.

Is it surprising that many have abandoned “faith” as hollow and powerless? We have lost trust in politics, church, and morality. Give us Superman! If nothing else, Superman would lift responsibility and guilt from our shoulders… we could leave everything to the superhero.

Now, if Jesus had worn a red cape and Y-fronts over a jumpsuit… Would everybody have thronged to follow Him instead of crucifying Him?

The way of Jesus is the opposite of acting out a superhero fantasy.

Love, grace, life-transforming teaching, some miracles; but embracing Death in order the shatter the power of Death forever.

He could have called 10,000 angels- but instead He chose the path of willing obedience. Out of that humility, new life was birthed through Resurrection- the Father’s “Amen” to the self-giving of Jesus. WE are called to make Jesus our model, inspiration, and goal- not to yearn for “superhero myths” but to walk in humble Love.

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.“ (Phil. 2:5)