31-03-2020 Drawing a likeness

Bible Readings

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Thought

A few years ago I took up drawing and painting. My favourite thing to draw is people; I find them completely fascinating. What is strange is that we all think we know what people look like, how faces look, how our bodies are put together, but it is only when you start to draw someone, and you want to get a true likeness of them, that you discover you have to put aside all that you think you know and learn to look properly. When drawing you have to learn to draw what you see, not what you think you see if you are ever to gain a good likeness of the person you are drawing. To do that you have to concentrate solely on what you are drawing, giving your full attention to each line that you make.

We are all created in the image of God. As Christians, each day we strive to be more like Christ. Each day we hope that others will see Christ in us as we strive to resemble him in all that we do. In order to do that we need to look closely at Christ, to spend time with him and we need to learn to concentrate just on him. In Hebrews it says that we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, for only by so doing will we be able to run with perseverance the race marked out for each of us.

Prayer

Help us O Lord to become more like you. In these strange times, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you so that we can become more like you. Help us to love as you loved, to endure as you endured and to be Christ to all those that we meet.

Amen