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How Close is Jesus to you?

From way back in college, I remember going to chapel one day and watching a drama.  In the play, there were only two actors; a young student, and a person playing Jesus.  The student was telling Jesus how wonderful it was to have Him as a part of his life now.  But then the calls from friends started coming in, inviting him to attend different parties on and off campus that would involve drinking, women, and other “extra-curricular” activities.  Each time he wanted to go, but Jesus would start following him.  The Jesus character explained that now He was a part of this young man’s life, He would go wherever the student went.  You could tell that the student wasn’t too keen on this idea. 

 Finally, the student has an idea. He is going to go out with his friends, and not take Jesus along.  He went off stage, and then returned with a hammer and some nails.  He took Jesus’ one hand and nailed it to the wall, and then the other hand, in the shape of a cross.  The student then set the hammer down, wiped off his hands, and left the stage.  The Jesus character hung His head, and the lights dimmed. 

When Jesus comes into our lives, He is with us everywhere, listening to everything.  There is no time when He is “off duty.”  He is closer then we could ever imagine Him.  It is easy to think of Jesus with us at church or in our small group, or watching us when we are doing something good and noble.  But Jesus is also there, watching in our darkest moments.  He is there when we mess up and act in the most unchristian-like ways.  Thank God He doesn’t come with judgement.  Instead He comes with Grace, love and mercy. 

How many times have I crucified Christ again and again?  How many times have I nailed Him to the tree and tried to leave Him behind? But no matter how many times I fail, He loves me still.  Thank God He is always that close to me!                PB <><