A gentle breeze weaved through those of us gathered. It lightly kissed exposed skin before twirling into the trees. I lifted my hand to shield my eyes from the setting sun and shifted beside my wife.
Two people stood in front of us. A man and a woman. One wore a tailored tuxedo and the other a brilliant white dress. Behind them a pastor spoke the typical words you’d hear at any wedding. He was a passionate man evidenced by his gestures and inflections. But his part was almost over.
My friend let go of his bride’s hands and rustled in the pocket of his jacket. When his hand reappeared a sheet of white paper came with it. He’d written his own vows. His beautiful bride gave him a smile that captured the glow of the sun.
I learned three things in the moments that followed. All had a profound impact on my heart.
1. There’s a bit of Jesus in us all
So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. –Gen 1:17
My friend has not made a decision to follow Jesus with his life. But when he read his vows the great and mighty love of God stirred and swirled all around us. The words he spoke could’ve only come from a love much deeper than he knew. He doesn’t know Jesus personally but in that moment the words pouring through his mouth flowed from the throne. It was absolutely beautiful.
Random acts of kindness are not accomplished only by those who love and follow Jesus. Christians are not the only ones who can operate as vessels pouring blessings into a person’s life. In fact, there are times in which the secular world looks more like Jesus than Christians do.
But we know that every good gift comes from God and in Him there is no darkness at all (James 1:17, 1 John 1:5). The things that lift up and exalt hearts in love come from God. If it’s not dark it’s light and I’d venture to say that there are times in your own life when light shinned through a person who’s made no commitment to Jesus and it impacted you.
This is not a statement or theological position on salvation. We know the greatest lover who ever loved. When the light shines in us we know Him and love Him and know we are loved by Him. The secular world doesn’t. It’s foreign to them. But their lack of knowledge doesn’t mean the light can’t shine through the darkness and impact your heart.
2. God will take what He can get
Through a worldly lens it might make sense that God would be standoffish to a person who’s lived their life for themselves and are suddenly touching a piece of His heart.
But as I was feeling the love of God circulate the area I also felt His immense joy. There was no holding back on His end. He was taking whatever He could get and was nothing but smiles.
There is no spite in God. I’m convinced that while He always wants to see us moving forward and being transformed into His image, God meets us where we’re at and just absolutely loves relationship on whatever level that can happen.
It’s because He adores us. He will never stop pursuing us. How deep and wide is that love!
3. This should affect the way I look at people
Look for that treasure buried in the hearts of others. When you behold another you are behold the image and likeness of God. That is person is just as much the object of God’s affection as you are. Look for the things in people that look like Jesus and call it out. Encourage them in it. Relate to them in it.
Other followers of Jesus aren’t the only ones God can use to bless your life.
Blessings,
Jesse and Kara Birkey
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Jesse and Kara Birkey are committed lovers of Jesus who seek to show others the extraordinary life of Jesus is available for everyone. They have authored two books, been featured in films and seek to serve the Lord in whatever ways they can. Follow their blog here.
Bring Jesse and Kara to your venue. Find more information here.
Get a sneak preview of Jesse’s upcoming fiction, Finding Home.
Life Resurrected, Extraordinary Miracles through Ordinary People has been endorsed by Sid Roth and Mark Virkler and is a collection of inspiring stories making it clear that the extraordinary life of Jesus is available to all who love Him. It’s also the testimony of Jesse’s life, the road he travelled bringing him into the arms of Jesus. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here. View the trailer here.
Marriage What’s the Point? One couple finds meaning in a crazy mess is the story of their marriage—The tragedy and the restoration. They bear their hearts in an attempt to get others to bear theirs and finally receive the freedom they’ve longed for. Get the paperback here. Get the Kindle Version Here.
Jesse is also featured in the film DeadRaiser, a movie shining the spotlight on resurrection testimonies across the nation. Find more information here.
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