A 900′ Tall Jesus

Good Morning Again!

In 1977, Oral Roberts claimed to have had a vision from a 900-foot-tall Jesus who told him to build City of Faith Medical and Research Center, and the hospital would be a success.  Much was made in the media about such a statement.  I can’t tell you if it was real or a hot air balloon or a scam to get money, but I can conclusively say that Jesus is with us every day if we have accepted him as Lord of our lives.

If you have been a Christian for long you are probably familiar with Matthew 28:16-20.  It is known as the Great Commission.  (If you are unfamiliar with this text, it does not have anything to do with another government study appointed by the President or Congress, praise the Lord.)  

 The Great Commission Matthew 28:16-20

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In this text, Jesus ‘commissions’ (commands, gives instruction, assigns, gives the task), to go out and make disciples of all nations, (people).  Jesus can give this command because he has the authority, given to him by God the Father, (verse 18).  We, having become disciples, (verse 19) then are to continue this mission.  Not only are we to make disciples but in verse 20 it says we should teach these disciples to obey everything that Jesus has commanded.   Ending his ‘Great Commission’, “Jesus says I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

What age is he talking about?  When Jesus came to earth he enacted a new age, not doing away with the old age, but adding a new facet.  This is known as the Church Age or Age of Grace.  It has lasted about 2000 years so far.  It will end at a time appointed by God when “The Judgment or Tribulation period begins.   Jesus is talking about our earthly commission or work here and now.  Jesus doesn’t leave us at the end of the age, rather our work here will be done and he will judge the earth and its people.

Over the years I have always found, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”, a very comforting statement.  On the other hand there are times when that always part can be a little troubling.  I mean when you think about 24 -7 no matter what we are doing?  Can’t we just hide a little now and then?

“When is the last time you went into a protestant church and saw a big statue or painting of Jesus looking down on you?  I have been in a lot of churches and with the exception of Catholic churches; I have never seen such a statue or painting of Jesus in the sanctuary.  Seeing an empty cross at the front behind or on the pulpit is pretty common.  Now don’t misunderstand me, I am not advocating that you should rush down to talk to your church leadership about installing such a statue or painting!  Just the selection process of accomplishing such a task might divide many of our churches today.

Have you seen a 900' Jesus lately?

At the same time I think it would be helpful to walk in and see a large painting or statue of Jesus looking down on you, at least till everyone got used to it and looked at the painting or statue as part of the church decoration.  How often in church are we not actually there to worship God, raise praises to him and share with our brothers and sisters in Christ the joy of the salvation experience?  How often do we come for social comfort or to visit with friends or do we just drift off thinking about the week past or week ahead?  Would it be different if Jesus was standing right there saying; “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Now take that out into the everyday go to work, hustle bustle world we live in.  I know there are definitely times that I have not been a light to the world.  I don’t act like Jesus is right there with me.  In fact Jesus’ promise can cut both ways; as a comfort in time of trouble and testing, but it can also bring conviction when we are not living in a way that represents Christ to the world around us.

When we go out into the world today let’s truly act like Jesus is right there with us, both as a comforter and guide.

Regular Joe

If you would like to do more reading in this area try: http://forthefrustratedchristian.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/renewing-our-minds-about-service-that-pleases-god-continued/