Hello
Many of us have been mistaken for someone else in our lives. And as twins, triplets or quadruplets, that seems logical. We might even chuckle at being mistaken for someone else from time to time. I remember a friend being confused for a sibling by a respected elder, who would ask: ‘Is this you or your sister?’ Logically, the answer is ‘me’. I’m not my sister. I suppose that the relationship with the elder would determine the right answer.
Even then, there is family resemblance. It must be different, I’m sure, when the one we’re being confused with is in fact our former self. Consider today’s Holy Nougat
“Some said, “He is the one,” but others said, “No, he only looks like him.” The man himself said, “I am the man.”” John 9:9 NCV
He used to be readily recognized by all – a blind beggar. The subject of many a conversation about inherited sin, possibly the object of pity and ridicule. It seems that back then, he was identified primarily by his disability.
Until Jesus.
On Jesus’ intervention, there was a visible change in him. He departed Jesus’ presence blind, washed in the pool and returned to a world of opportunities and vision. He left dependent upon others and returned independent. He left with hope and returned with hope fulfilled. He left broken, but returned whole.
So much had happened that folks could no longer recognize him.
That could be our reality also. When we experience a profound connection with Jesus, our lives too should reflect the difference. Whether by the flowing, poured or sprinkled waters of baptism ) and our subsequent confirmation of that decision), we also can move from blindness to sight, fulfillment, opportunities and wholeness. Through our own personal Jesus encounter, we also have the opportunity to be so different from our former selves that others marvel at the transformation.
Even if we were essentially ‘good people’ prior to Jesus. For, when we meet Him, God’s glory rests on and within us, creating a profound difference in our outlook. We move from self-serving to pleasing God.
How is it with us, are we still distinguishable from our former selves, does our new self continue to impact others to come to know Jesus, or is it time for a refresher? Perhaps we could use some of this time away from the crowds to spend more time with God.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
