A Scar Kind of Guy

There is absolutely nothing closer to the Lord's own heart than orphans and widows. Caring for the least of these is touching the very heartbeat of God. Yesterday I talked with a good friend who has a passion for adoption. She's about to embark on a journey to eastern Europe, where she and her husband will adopt not one but three children in need.

Some friends have asked her why she wants to adopt again, when she's already got a large family, including other adopted children. "Why not use that money to do something for yourself? Get some work done. A facelift and a tummy tuck. Or a boob job."

She laughed at that. "Do you think Saint Peter's going to look me over when I get to the pearly gates and say, 'Nice boob job?'"

Together, we came to the conclusion that Jesus wouldn't care the least bit about a saggy tummy. "Put your hands right here, Thomas. Feel the hole in my side. Stick your fingers into my palms." Jesus is a scar kind of guy.

Stained Glass Jesus

I love stained glass. It ranks right up there with snowflakes. So when I got a new camera last year, I decided to play with it in my church's sanctuary. I've just now gotten around to tinkering with the photographs. I'll probably post a few more in the coming days.

This first picture is of Jesus after the resurrection, meeting up with some of His disciples on the road to Emmaus.

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. - Luke 24:27

 

I love the pierced hands and feet.

The menorah may seem like an odd choice to add to this post, considering the title, but I assure you it is not. The temple menorah was often referred to as the "light of the world." Indeed, the three lamps on either side pointed inward to the center lamp, called the chumash, or servant lamp. And the chumash pointed to the Holy of Holies. It is very much a symbol of the Messiah.

Monster Brother Love

Our five-year-old son came upstairs to fill his water cup, then headed back down to the basement play room. At the top of the stairs he paused and shouted out to his seven-year-old sister, "A-, I love you!" Then stomped down the wooden stairs, calling, "Here comes the hug and kiss monster! Grrrrrrrarrr! Grrrrrrarrr!"

You've just got to love that monster brother love.

I was in their room with them the other day, when they started telling each other how much they love each other, and how great the other person was.

"I love you, I-. You're the best brother in the whole world."

"I love you too, A-. You're the best sister in the world."

Okay, so perhaps this very human mommy and daddy haven't messed them up after all.

Or perhaps Jesus is just that good. Yeah. I think that's it.

Glorious Moments

Have you ever had one of those experiences with God that leaves you completely and utterly, inexplicably, amazingly light?

And free.

He steps into your chaos and, through His amazing creative power, redeems what you had come to believe was a permanent wasteland. He removes the albatross hanging heavy around your neck. He shifts the realm of light, casting beautiful truth on the lies that had held you captive.

Sure, you're still a human being in this fallen world. You still have some baggage. But for one stunning moment in time, He lets you taste and see that He is breathtakingly good.

Those are glorious moments, my friends. Glorious.