Saturday, May 29, 2010

IHOP


Jesus was marked for criticism - and ultimately death - because of His very close association with people whom the Pharisees felt compelled to keep outside the fence. The Pharisees believed part of their job was to patrol the fences, like the US/Mexico border. Jesus was no respecter of that kind of thing, so He became a threat.

How could they hate Jesus that much?
How could they hate sinners that much?

When Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors and the like, He wasn't saying "I like you," or "I am with you." He was saying, "I am you."

That's the ultimate blessing of the incarnation so many of us don't seem to understand. Jesus didn't just come to visit us; He came to become one of us.

In fact, if Jesus were here today in human flesh, He'd probably be sitting at IHOP some Friday nights at 3 a.m. and He'd know the name every server and what their kids' names were. He'd sit at your dinner table and compliment your pot roast, even though you both know it's a little dry.
He'd eat with us because we're His kind of people. And in so doing, He would be saying He wanted to have an intimate relationship with each one of us - with all sinners.

Next time you sit down to eat, imagine Jesus sitting there too -- because He is.

And be blessed.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

PK..that is just what I need to hear right now. I wish He was here with me. Not just in spirit, but in the flesh. I need Him. Very much...