Reclaiming who we are

Throughout the ages man made human sacrifices to appease their “gods.” I can just imagine our God of mercy shaking his head and saying: “Enough! These people just don’t get it!” So he sent his son – think about it…God’s own son… incarnate (in human flesh) in the form of a man named Jesus. “Because God so loved the world.” (John 3:16) And instead of man sacrificing to God, God let the world make his Son a human sacrifice. I couldn’t watch my son die like that. I’d be hurling lightening bolts the size of Texas! But, why? Why did the creator of the universe send his only Son?

Doesn’t it make sense that he did such an outrageous act so all men would be drawn to his Son and his message? Isn’t it imperative that we take time to read the Bible and get a better understanding of Jesus’ pilgrimage here on earth? When we soak ourselves in the Scriptures it becomes so apparent that God came to earth to teach us, nurture the way we think and challenge us to take a higher road. He instructed us to be humble, and appreciate the marginalized. He praised those who are poor, mourning, broken, and the outcasts. It occurs to me that He came to bring self-centered man the realization that all people have worth and he loves us all. He made analogies that the last will be first and first here on earth will be last in the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:30) Wake up! What is that telling us?

The world says one thing, God quite another. The world says power and money are important, God says blessed are the poor. The world says spend millions to make your body perfect, God says you already were made perfectly and in his image. (Genesis 1:27) Scripture tells us the migrant worker, the afflicted, the broken, the widow; the unpopular are going to be the first to reach heaven. It doesn’t matter what car they drive, how shapely they are or how attractive. It’s what’s inside that’s important. Will God find goodness and kindness in our hearts or is it all about the almighty self?

So, next time you look in a mirror and you don’t see Brad Pitt or Lindsey Lohan looking back at you, rejoice in the promise of who God is telling you are. Blessed, beloved beautiful and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139) He loves you. Let that sink in. The more we don’t reflect the world’s standards, the more room we have to reflect God’s light, grace and promises. All the material goods, exercise, eating right and face lifts in the world cannot be taken with you when you die. Trust me, I’ve watched a few people go and there aren’t luggage racks on hearses. What goes with you is who you are – your soul – how you lived your life according to God’s teachings.

If we make a religion out of our material possessions, body and looks, who are we praying to? Ourselves? And what good is that going to do us? Are we capable of making ourselves immortal? No, but God is. He sent his son so we would know the extent of his love and learn how to live our life so we can live forever. Now, isn’t that why faith matters?