WWJP?

The old letters were WWJD? and they stood for the question that was asked by a generation of Christians, "what would Jesus Do?" My letters are WWJP? and they ask a new question, "Where Would Jesus Park?"

Last week, I was sitting in the parking lot, waiting for my wife to get off work. as I sat reading the last of my daily allocation of scripture, and was thinking about the words that I was reading, I came back to reality with a shock when I saw Jesus walking out of the hospital. O.K., it wasn't Jesus, but it sure looked like him, with the hair, the eyes, and the physical details (except instead of a robe, he was wearing regular work clothes).

I figured that he wasn't a doctor, even though his car was parked in the doctors section of our local hospital. How did I know? his purple ford escort was the first hint. as I stared at him, rather rudely I must say, I saw him light up a cigarette, and tilt his seat back to rest. the preacher in me goes into overdrive! I see strike three for the whole question of whether or not he is Jesus. first, he is parked in the wrong place. Would Jesus park in someone else's spot? Secondly, the purple escort, not a donkey, not a caddy, not a Buick! just a little old escort. nuff said! then, he lights up. Would Jesus smoke? I should say not!

As I sat figuring these riddles out, a real doctor came out. He had to go to the end of the lot to get into his much nicer car, and I leaned out to tell him that us guys without much hair ought to wear hats when it is snowing. He laughed and agreed. As he passed, i turned back to look as Jesus, who got out of the car, and went back into the hospital.

After this incident, i didn't feel particularly spiritual. i had wanted to believe that this man was Jesus (he could be, i guess!) and discounted him quickly for three rather shallow reasons. If i had been one of the guys here when my Savior came the first time, would i have discounted him that quickly too? Would I have asked Him to do a "trick with fish and bread" like Herod? Would i have demanded a sign like those who were given only one sign, the sign of the resurrection?

Lord, i pray that you will prepare my heart, and soften me to accept you in any way that you might come into my presence. Lord, forgive me, (of all people) for judging by apprearances- the very thing that i have often said that i won't do. LORD, i pray for the guy who looked like Jesus, that you would be formed in him and in me and in the real Doctor who came out in the snow to go home. You are the great physician, i know that you still have more work to do in me, and in those who cross my path. I LOVE YOU LORD, help me to know you when i see you, regardless of where you park.

Tonite, LORD, i will be meeting with Matt L and the guys, and we need your help. It looks like we might have two new guys, and we certainly have all of us guys who are older by one week who need your help. every day, LORD, i see you in the people around me, and every day, i pray to be more like you, and to know you better. It humbles me to know that you love me, me, just like this. thank you.