Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11
Lately I have been thinking about what it must have been like to get to know Jesus in person “in the flesh”, like his first disciples did. That brings to mind a story from my past, decades ago.
His name was Stephen, but he introduced himself as Steve. I met him in 1973, in Montgomery, Alabama, at Maxwell Air Force Base, where I was a Sergeant, working as a Chaplains’ Assistant. Steve, also a Sergeant, came to Maxwell on what was called a Temporary Duty Assignment. That meant he would only be with us for a few months, but he made a lasting impression on me.
There was something “special” about Steve. He had a great personality - very welcoming and comfortable to be around - with a wonderful sense of humor and a demeanor that instantly put others at ease (no pun intended). He was very intelligent, but was probably known more for his kindness than for any of his other positive attributes. And there was one other very important quality about Steve. He was a Christian. He lived his faith every day, with a joy that could only have come from the Lord. You could see this, not only in the way he behaved and the choices he made; but in the way his face lit up when he met you on the sidewalk or saw you in the mess hall.
Soon my friends and I were inviting Steve to join us in various off duty activities like meals, sports activities, and watching movies. Several of us who had known each other for many months marveled at how much we enjoyed his company. We all looked up to him, and could see that he was a person of integrity - a natural leader. And we would have followed him anywhere. After those few short months, when we had to say goodbye to him, it was as if we were parting company with a life-long friend.
Years later, as I reflected on our time with Steve, I realized that he was one of the most genuinely Christ-like people I had (and have) ever met. Subconsciously, I think I have tried to emulate his behavior over the years. He has been a significant Christ-bearer in my life.
I’ll bet you have crossed paths with someone like Steve; who seems so Christ-like in a warm, loving, compassionate way, that you thoroughly enjoy being with them. Hold onto that friendship if you can. Let them help you grow in your own ability to emulate Christ. Remember, life is about relationships - relationships are where we most often find our ever-loving God.
by: Bill Miller
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