Perception

Dear Friends,

In this photo, the top half of
Jesus looks rather feminine.

Over the past few weeks my perception of Jesus has been challenged. You see, being raised up in the Church, I often view Jesus as a Sunday School answer or a buddy. I have this image of Jesus in my head where he's Caucasian, with gorgeous hair, well groomed, and he looks gentle and passive. Not to far off from this picture here to the left.

In fact, I am struggling with the idea that perhaps the God I claim to be so in love with is a God that I do not know at all. Sure, I know lots of 'facts' about God, Jesus, and the Bible. I know that I have a personal relationship with Jesus. I know that Jesus is Prophet, Priest, King. I know God is a father. The Holy Spirit is Helper, Advocate, Counselor. However, often, I'm afraid, these are titles and words attached to a meaning that I have not taken the time to evaluate. What does it mean that Jesus is King? Yes I could give a bunch of verses that answer the question, but that's not meaningful unless I figure out how to apply it. How does the fact that Jesus is King impact my life? Do I worship Jesus like he's ? Do I interact with my circumstances like Jesus is King? Do I listen to what he says as a Prophet. Do I apply what he says like it's actually a message from God. Do I actually understand what it means that he died on the cross as a sacrifice for my sins?

How do you perceive Jesus?

Often the answer to all of those is no. You see, I have been, in a way, conditioned to view Jesus in a way that I perceive is most beneficial to me. But that is so very wrong. It's time for me to really examine myself and pursue Jesus in a way that genuine. You see, Jesus doesn't just want me to pursue him above all else, but rather instead of all else. Only he can satisfy. Only he.
So Friends, I beg you to join me in a search for Jesus. A search for an accurate perception of He who is our Lord and Savior.

In Christ,
Hannah Joy