Like Jesus

Bible Reading: Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:1-3

Armel sighed as he looked out the window. He had planned to spend the day fishing with Grandpa, but it was raining. "This is going to be the most boring day ever," he grumbled.

"Oh, you're always complaining," said his sister. "Read a book or something."

The sound of a man's voice came from the kitchen where Mom was listening to a podcast of one of her favorite speakers. "When Jesus appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is," the man was saying.

Armel's thoughts lingered on that last phrase--"see Him as He is." I wonder what Jesus looks like, he thought. How tall was He when He was on earth? Did He really have long hair like in the pictures in books? I wish somebody who knew Him had written a description. He probably smiled a lot, and maybe His eyes twinkled like Grandpa's.

"Armel," Mom called from the kitchen. "Grandpa wants to talk to you."

When he heard Grandpa's voice on the phone, Armel knew he was smiling. Grandpa was calling from ten miles away, but it was easy to imagine how he looked--and Armel liked how everybody said he reminded them of his grandfather. "Hi there," said Grandpa. "What do you think of the weather?"

"It's raining," Armel replied with a pout.

"Yes, but I've got an idea. I need some help in my workshop. Are you available?"

"I'm ready right now!" Armel exclaimed.

As Armel returned the phone to his mom, the voice in the kitchen caught his attention again. "Our hope lies in the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. We will not only see Him, but we will be like Him. Until then, the Holy Spirit is working so that others can see Jesus in us now. As He shapes our hearts, we can reflect Jesus's love in our thoughts and actions, looking forward to the day when we will finally be like Him."

Armel smiled to himself. I like it when people say I remind them of Grandpa because he's such a warm, loving person. I want to remind people of Jesus that way too. And it will be even better when I'm with Jesus, because then I'll be perfect like He is. Armel grinned, imagining what his sister would say about the idea of him being perfect.

–Phyllis I. Klomparens

How About You?
Do you wish you could see Jesus or know what He looks like? If you know Him as your Savior, someday you will see Him. Not only that, but you'll be like Him too! You'll have a new body that will never hurt or die. And you'll never sin again--you'll be perfect. That's definitely something to look forward to! Until then, trust God to help you show others what Jesus is like through your words and actions.
Today's Key Verse:
We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (NIV) (1 John 3:2)
Today's Key Thought:
Look forward to being like Jesus