When asked what Jesus looks like, four-year-old Colton mentioned, "Jesus has red markers on Him," indicating Jesus' hands and feet. As the years went by, Todd often showed Colton various artists' depictions of Jesus, asking if they came close to the reality. Colton always dismissed them.
Then Todd heard about a child prodigy who also said she'd seen Jesus (Akiane Kramarik), who had drawn a picture of Him. Todd showed her artwork to Colton. A mesmerized Colton said this one got it right.
The fact that eight-year-old Akiane could draw this picture is by itself miraculous. Corroborating testimony from another small child might or might not be considered convincing. What Jesus really looks like isn't a make-it-or-break-it matter anyway.
Nonetheless, when I look into this face, I sense a pain behind the peace which spurs me on. Life's been pretty challenging lately, and the consideration to set aside lay ministry and attempt nothing more than being a stay-at-home mommy has never been stronger. I'm grateful to the Lord for every source of inspiration He cares to use in my life.
I share this picture with all of you with the prayer that you might find comfort and inspiration to remember our precious Lord and Savior—our example—as both Man of Sorrows and Price of Peace.
Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
~ Isaiah 53:1-5 (NKJV)
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I bought Akiane's book that has this and many other painting displayed in it. She has an awesome talent and love for the Lord. The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter that much what Jesus looks like, we just have to give Him our "all". I sure did enjoy seeing that picture again. Hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteOdie
I really loved this book and we've read it with our children. Some portions have led to questions, of course, but that's just fine with us. I agree with you--that picture of Jesus carries a weight to it. I'm constantly amazed how God chooses to reveal Himself and so glad He does. Great thoughts today, Anne. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the Burpos' book. It has raised a lot of discussion in our house about Heaven, and has all of us talking about what we can look forward to once we arrive on those celestial shores.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Odie. Jesus deserves our all. We spend a lifetime learning to give Him more and more of ourselves, until the day we look upon Him face to face and have nothing left to hold back.
ReplyDeleteJason, another good read is The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven, by Keven Malarkey (yes that's his name). It has strong similarities, but this little boy had a little more to say about the devil. The spiritual realms are not so very far away, I think.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, as gorgeous as Heaven is sure to be, I only want to see the King and His people. The scenery will only enhance that real Heaven. See you there! ♥
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