I love to meet new people and I love to make introductions. What I mean by this…is that I like to connect people. I have now lived and reaped the benefit of knowing a lot of people. I enjoy knowing that when people meet and make connections good things happen. Great friendships form; helpful advice is given; business deals are made; people find the right medical care, and the list goes on and on…connecting people is something I have seen the value in because it has been done for me….and the benefit has been tremendous.
A brief example is when our oldest son Brewer moved to Washington, D.C. two years ago. Before his apartment was available, he needed a place to live to bridge the gap between when his job started and when his apartment would be ready. A great friend from Easley, who we fondly call Coach, introduced us to his daughter and son-in-law who live in D.C. They opened their home to Brewer for a few weeks to bridge the gap. They were so kind and generous and even took Brewer to a 4th of July celebration where he met a former President. Those are the kinds of things we all have the power to do…help others with introductions…it may not involve meeting a former President… but it may? We, nor Brewer, ever expected that to be a result from him looking for a place to live.
I love Peter’s reply in Luke chapter 9 when Jesus was praying and meeting with the disciples. He asked, “‘Who do the crowds say I am ?’ They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.’ ‘But what about you?’ he asked, ‘Who do you say I am?‘ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.'”
As I was studying this passage…It made me ask myself a very significant question…”Do I seek on a daily basis…to introduce the greatest relationship that I have with others?” Knowing and having a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus…is the greatest, most powerful, significant relationship I have…He is the best “Networker” ever. I can of course make introductions that will help others, but the greatest introduction I will ever make to anyone is Jesus. I also have taken the time to think about “How I would make the introduction to others?” Just like Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?”
So I have decided this is who I would say Jesus is…..Jesus was fully man and fully God born to a virgin named Mary over 2000 years ago…He walked on this earth and experienced everything as man (but was fully God’s son). He predicted His death and set the perfect example for us to follow…He never sinned…and He inspired His written Word and laws through men to write for us–the Bible–He died an innocent man on a cruel cross…and on the third day He rose again….and He appeared to a few.
After 40 days He ascended to heaven…and then sent His Holy Spirit to earth to indwell in anyone who believes and invites Him into their heart. HE is a God of great Mercy and Grace….He came to save and give abundant life…but to also, and more importantly, give eternal life…after death on this earth. He desires our good and not harm….His love is unconditional…. not conditional like man…He forgives our sin when we confess…HE knows our future and desires to guide us in His good for our lives….He is just… and He does not lie. HE is the Alpha and Omega…..we can’t earn salvation….it is a gift…we just have to choose to receive it.
On a personal note…..I feel so strongly about all that God has done in my life since I made the “choice” to invite Him into my heart at age 9. I have written a book about all that He has done and taught me so far….I know He is not finished…so I continue to write…it maximizes my desire to share all that Christ can do for anyone who chooses to believe and develop their relationship with HIM. That is a choice as well. Relationships are built by TIME spent.
In closing, if you met Jesus…Who would you say He is? If you know HIM, are you willing to make the “Introduction” to someone else? I know that if I knew the person that had a cure for Type 1 diabetes, I would let the world know…I would introduce him to everyone….I would want everyone to connect…….I feel so much stronger about introducing everyone to the one who HEALS all things…..JESUS…..