Seeing is believing

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050725.cfm

Many people would dispute the phrase 'seeing is believing' and in fact would say that the opposite is true - believing is seeing. I suppose that I could make a case in Christianity for the latter, but I will not because Jesus Himself makes this somewhat curious statement: "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life".

Well, where does this leave us then? We certainly have not been blessed to see Jesus, to meet Him and come to know Him. Does the Father only intend to save the people of that age, that sliver of history from 30-33 AD? Somehow, when I ask it that way, it seems sort of ridiculous doesn't it? Of course not. God would not be so limited would He? No He wouldn't, so let's see how this plays out.

If we look to the Acts of the Apostles, we saw Stephen yesterday doing His amazing Jesus impersonation as he forgave those who were in the very act of taking his life. Today, we see Philip, scattered by the persecution of the Christians, healing and casting out demons as the crowd listens with one accord. Gee that sounds a lot like what Jesus did in His ministry. Yep.

But certainly that was then and this is now, right? We don't see people performing these great miracles today. Perhaps not, but if we look we might be able to see many people doing a pretty good Jesus impersonation. But I think the question that Jesus would ask is not how are we seeing it in others but ARE OTHERS SEEING HIM IN US?

This is the work of the Christian - by our very name we are to be imitators of the Lord Jesus. Are we giving the world a good view of the Savior or not? I can guarantee that Stephen and Philip (along with the other disciples) were just ordinary folk like you and me. How did they do it? They devoted themselves to it. They also had spent time with the Lord hearing His word and learning from His life. You are here right now, reading this because you are being called by the Lord to be HIM to someone today. How will you do it. Offer your time to listen? Help them out of a jam. Go out of your way when no one else will? Share a word of encouragement from Scripture? Invite them to join you at a talk or event at church? Share how your belief in the Lord makes a difference in your life?

Not only is it true that seeing is believing, but the opposite is also true. When we claim the name Christian and then treat people poorly or focus all of our time an energy on secular world pursuits, or political endeavors; when we don't have time for others or brush aside their complaints or needs, we tear down belief in Jesus. We make Him 'artificial' to the world, not real or natural. What would people believe if they believed in the life they see us living?