SKIN

The old man was sitting on a park bench when he noticed a little boy sitting on the grass holding a baseball and glove. The boy was

alone and looked sad. The man spoke to the boy.

                  “Son, do you know that God loves you?”

         Boy: “Yes sir; someone told me that”.

         Man: “Son, do you know that God will never leave you?”

         Boy: “Yes sir; someone told me that”.

         Man: “Son, do you know that God wants to be your friend?”

         Boy: “ Yes sir; someone told me that; but will he throw the

                    ball with me?”

Most non-Christian people, especially children, need to see God with “skin” on Him. Otherwise, to them He is a mere abstract concept that Christians like to talk about. Jesus knew this would happen when He would no longer be here in our physical world. So how would the all-knowing God overcome this obstacle? He had an amazing plan!

Jesus told His disciples that after His death He would send “another Comforter” (John 14:16,17,26) who is the Holy Spirit of God who would be WITH them and IN them. Also, Holy Spirit would “seal” them until the day of redemption ( Ephesians 4:30 ). So when a person puts their trust in Jesus by faith, they are immediately joined with God’s Holy Spirit which gives the believer a personal relationship with Jesus and the Lord God (John 15: 1-10 ; Galations 3:26-28).

The obstacle was overcome! God’s plan of redeeming mankind from the certain spiritual death sentence of sin by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and the work of Holy Spirit in the life of believing persons continues today. God’s plan of salvation from His wrath now has “skin” again.

So how does this plan work today? Actually, it continues the very same way as when Jesus instructed His disciples; by one person telling another

person about a holy, loving God who wants that person to live with Him forever. As witnesses of the life changing effect for the good in another person, it should be our continual effort to be willing to share this good news with any who may be receptive. In this world, there is no shortage of people who have no hope, no future, no family or friends and no material goods.

                                                  --1--

When Jesus looked at the crowds of people around Him, He said that the fields “are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). He was referring to the souls of men to be harvested for the kingdom of God. What are the excuses for not being involved in this harvest? Whether admitted or not, usually the primary excuse is pride. We do not want to be seen as needing someone or something to carry us through this life. We do not want to be seen as incompetent if we cannot answer every question posed to us concerning the spiritual realm. We do not want to be ridiculed. We do not want to be shunned by family or friends who do not share our same love for Jesus. We do not want to miss anything that we have been told is great fun in this world even if it does compromise Biblical values.

The prophet Isaiah (chapter 53) foretold of Jesus being a suffering servant before becoming a sacrifice to God. In John chapter 13, Jesus became a servant and washed the dirty feet of men. He was stripped of all pride.

The living Son of the living God stepped out of the glory of eternal heaven to live for a short time on this earth for the sake of sinful man’s souls. If we say that we love Jesus and are trusting Him for eternal life, then where can we possibly claim any pride?

         Let’s give someone that cup of water in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:41).

         Let’s suffer little children to come to Him (Mathew 19:14).

         Let’s throw the baseball with that little boy.

         Let’s get our skin in motion for Jesus.