Deja Vou

It was in another state, another church, a different year. We had been called to this specific body of believers to assist in music for a week. My husband was getting microphones tested, and helping our youngest son know just where he would stand when he and his brother sang. From my view at the piano, their profiles were in perfect alignment. My chin nearly hit the keyboard. They looked so much alike even I — wife to one and mother to the other — could hardly believe it! Literally it was like déjà vou!

It was yet another state, yet another church, and yes, a different year. He was running full speed across the campground facilities. I caught sight of him and had to laugh. Behind him trailed children older than he and he was out running them all! Reminded me of the stories I had heard of his dad when he was younger! Smallest of the “pack” but winning the race. Quickly crossing the ground they had so recently covered, I came around the corner to the crew of boys. “Hey, he’s fast!” They said to me. “Can he be our friend?” “Sure,” I replied, once again smiling at the reflection of father in son.

When Jesus came to earth He was so much more than a “reflection” of the Father. He was the manifestation of our Holy God, our Heavenly Father in human form. It wasn’t déjà vou, it was our Father in Heaven giving us Himself in human flesh. The Divine God-head coming to us in flesh and blood — just as we are. Human form. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him” (Col. 1:19).

It was difficult for the disciples to understand. They walked, talked, ate, lived with Jesus, Yet He came doing the Father’s work and will, giving us the Father’s love.

Christ is the only Way we can come to God and gain eternal life. As He lives in us and through us, He makes us more into the image of Himself. Not very long ago I heard someone say something like, “They became the hands of Christ to me.” Déjà vou! We are the earthen vessels to carry Christ to the world. His example becomes our pattern for living. We want His image to be engraved on us until our simple, clay, human vessels, make evident our Christ well and people are drawn to the love of the Father.

Britton isn’t Mark, yet his physical image is so much like him there are times looking at them makes us take a “double-take!” Oh, Jesus! Help us be so much like You until people “look again” to see what is causing this beautiful spirit in such an ugly world. Oh, Jesus! When they look at me, let them see YOU — the Love of our Heavenly Father!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

Take it With You

“. . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you

believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” John 14:9b-10