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Do you recognize the family resemblance?

This morning I was leaving the hospital after praying with a member who was awaiting a procedure.  A person walking by casually said, “Good morning pastor.”  I said, “Good morning.” I did not know the person, but had a name badge and cross on so I assumed that was how the person knew I was a pastor.  As our paths crossed, we exchanged a smile.  Continuing a few steps more, I heard the voice again.  “Pastor, don’t I know you?  You look so familiar?”  Momentarily concerned, I wondered if I was not recognizing a member in front of me.  We visited for a moment.  He did not know me and I did not know him, he just felt I looked familiar.  I asked if he had a pastoral need, but he didn’t at that moment.  He stopped me because he felt he recognized me.  And, he told me a story of who I reminded him of.  It was a pastoral couple who had brought him to faith decades ago.  He thought I might be their son.

This happens to me often, it is not unusual for someone to think they know me when they don’t.  And, through the years I have gotten adept at smiling and nodding my head to mask the ignorance I have about who they are.  Yet, this mistaken identity seems to happen most often when I am doing the work of the Lord.  Of course, it is possible that I simply look similar to a lot of people.  But, could there be another explanation?  Do the people who follow Jesus have a family resemblance?

I like to think so.  Now, I don’t mean to suggest that my physical appearance changes when I am following Jesus.  Sure, when I smile, and have joy, and compassion, and peace,…  Well, yes.  I guess I do mean to suggest that our physical appearance changes when we do the work of the Lord!  When we allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our external countenance transforms.  Somehow, we more closely resemble God’s family.

1 John 3:2 tells us, “2Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.”  I would suggest to you that every time you do something in Jesus’ name, the family resemblance becomes more visible.  It has always been there since the beginning.  But, it only becomes clear when you actively participate in God’s love, mercy, and grace to the world. Wether large or small, every act of love done in Jesus’ name can reveal his glory and image.  


I invite you to take a moment and reflect on something you can do today to make God known through what you do.  And then, let that prayer become action.  You might be surprised by the family resemblance others see.

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