2013-12-05 - Who Are You?

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

There is a story that is told about a young lady selling produce near an airport. I'm not sure if the story is true or not, but it has a message.

Four businessmen were rushing to catch their plane home after each one promising his wife they would arrive home that evening in time for dinner. In their haste the group runs right into a display of apples at a produce stand. The fruit and the parts of the display are scattered. Feeling bad but barely breaking stride they look back to make sure nobody is hurt and rush on to their gate as their departure time nears. As the group approaches the gate one of them stops and tells the rest to go ahead. He asks that they call his wife when they get home and tell her he will catch a later flight. After a brief protest from his friends he says he just has to go back to the produce stand and tells them to go catch the plane.

When he reaches the stand the parts of the display and most of the apples are still scattered. People are walking by in both directions being careful not to step on anything in the process. He sets his bags and coat off to the side and kneels down next to the young woman who is quietly weeping as she searches for her fruit. It is only then he realizes she can not see. Feeling even more sheepish he tells her he is back to help. He gets her back to her chair and sets to reconstructing the display. Once that is rebuilt he collects the apples. As he does the man realizes several are bruised and not able to be sold. He puts those in a separate basket. He reaches into his wallet and hands her $40 saying he hopes this will cover the damage with a little left over. She takes the money and pauses not knowing what to say.

The man turns to gather his belongings and she asks, "Are you Jesus?" He stops, pauses and walks back. "No, I'm not Jesus. He is very kind. He would never have crashed into your display or left after it happened." She replies, "But I was praying that Jesus would come and help me pick up my fruit and you came. He asked you to come back and you listened."

As I was reading and the young lady asks, "Are you Jesus?" I was shaken. Imagine someone asking you that question. Are my life and faith even remotely presenting Jesus with that clarity to others? And then there is the faith of the young lady to ask the question. What a powerful moment. I'm not sure my logical, mathematical mind would let me ask that question if I were in her place. But the reality is that you or I may be the best example of Jesus to someone who needs Him.

How is your serve? How bright is your light?

Lord Jesus - Help me to better live by your example of servanthood. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://www.redcross.org

All verses are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.