At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
We have been reading the book "Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge. While not agreeing with some of his broad-brush strokes in other books he has written about what most men are like, we have found this book to be very refreshing and gives a much-needed glimpse into the real personality of Jesus.
Beautiful Outlaw Web site
We gathered with some friends along with our children a couple weeks ago and shared some of the different characteristics of who Jesus is, and found it to be a great discussion. We are focusing as a family on getting to know Jesus better as he really is. The religious fog surrounding who Jesus really is has confused and kept many Christians from experiencing a daily, interactive relationship with him.
Some of the interesting characteristics we shared about Jesus included:
1. Fearless
2. Courageous and determined
3. Close to the broken and downcast
4. Prickly - unshaven (a picture of his humanity and realness)
5. Humble and real
6. Sacrificial Servant
7. Exuberant and enthustic
8. Exceedingly Joyful
9. Peaceful
10. Extravagant Giver
11. Good receiver
12. Eyes of Fire
13. Intense
I will add to this list as I get time, it is by no means comprehensive, but gives a picture of the direction we were heading as we shared.
I shared a dream I had about 2 years ago that helped me get a better glimpse into Jesus' personality. I remember in the dream, there was a gathering of people who were waiting to see God revealed, like he was going to come out on stage where we could all see him. The anticipation was great amongst the people gathered there, and I remember wanting to get into the front row. When a man came out on stage and began telling jokes(good ones of course), we were all taken aback a little. And, he was actually quite funny. He then came down amongst the audience, and began to touch people, dancing and laughing the entire time. His Joy was contagious, and everyone he touched began to laugh uncontrollably, including myself. He was having a great time of it, he absolutely loved filling people with this joy. I remember thinking - this is the most exuberant, excited, joyful person I have ever seen.
When I woke up, I realized that this man was Jesus Christ. This dream has changed my view of Jesus, and has stuck with me to this day. Many times I look back and I can still remember how this dream changed my picture of who Jesus is in my heart.
When I woke up, I was also reminded of the scripture Zephaniah 3:17
17 The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
I am also reminded of David in 2 Samuel 6:14 "And David danced before the Lord with all his might." He was undignified, not caring what people thought - his only focus was on "the Lord". "with all his might" speaks to me that he was very exuberant and enthusiastic in his dancing; this was no mournful ballroom dance. David's dance was a dance of joy and an expression of enthusiastic love and praise to God. Let's get rid of our religious, dignified, Michelangelo-like picture of what David's dancing might have looked like and see it how it really was.
Also see 2 samuel 6:5 "David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals"
Here we have a picture of David and others celebrating with all their might. This is not a solemn, dignified worship service here, this is un-restrained abandon before God. This is a picture of what the "man after God's own heart" did to show his love and passion for God.
2 Samuel 6:16, 20
16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
The religious spirit operating through David's wife tried to shut down this worship. The religious spirit always despises and looks with contempt on those who express great joy and enthusiasm. See how she criticizes and finds fault with what David was doing by focusing on what he was wearing rather than looking at his heart, sounds just like the Pharisees of Jesus' day doesn't it?
21 David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the LORD. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”
23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
See how David responded to her criticism? Rather than attempting to please her, he gave absolutely no place for the spirit of religion - in fact, he said he would go even further next time. "Even more undignified than this" David did not care how people perceived him, he knew his heart was pure before the Lord.
In conclusion:
We all need to have revelations and experiences to help us get a real picture of who Jesus really is. We need to get rid of the religious thinking and demonic lies that have distorted our view of who he really is. How can you have a relationship with someone like the man pictured in most of these paintings?
Traditional depictions of Jesus
Much Christian art (and theology) has concentrated on guilt and suffering. But Jesus came to bring joy to the world - not to make guilt-ridden wrecks. This collection of paintings from artists from 18 countries gives their impressions of a laughing, loving Jesus who is a living presence.
Jesus Laughing Exhibition
I believe Jesus is very un-religious, in the sense that he really enjoys life and people. I believe he loves to laugh, and he has a sense of humor. He created you with a sense of humor, didn't he? What makes us think our creator would have less of a sense of humor than his creation?
I invite you to open yourself up and ask God right now to reveal to you the real Jesus so you can experience his exuberant love and joy!
Jesus is passionate for you, his heart burns to reveal himself to you. His heart is directed towards you, his eyes are ablaze, turned in your direction. He longs to give you his joy and he is enthusiastic to spend time with you. He wants you to experience him and get to know him! Don't be afraid of experiencing and encountering Jesus!
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