His Story

This is a capture of a graphic that made the e-mail rounds, and is making them again.  This particular one was available through The Tennessee Mint and the Artist is Joe Castillo. A quick glance at the picture gives you a man’s portrait. A closer look tells the story of a man’s life.

Joe has updated that man’s face – click on the graphic and it will take you to his website. There are several of his works available for purchase. The updated picture of this man gives a great deal more detail of His life.

Since we’ve just come from celebrating His birth, we have now through March to concentrate on His life and His teachings before facing His death.  Our joy comes on March 31 when we celebrate His resurrection.

You see, though His birth did have a few more attention getting details than most births, it’s what happened after His death on the cross that separates what we believe from others. We believe Jesus died on the cross, was buried and lives still. As the Pharisees, we believe in the resurrection. Paul tells what it is without that:

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (1 Corinthians 15:14 KJV)

We’ve not only accepted Pascal’s wager that there is a God, we’ve come down on the answer that states unequivocally that:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

To believe John 3:16, one must also accept:

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18 KJV)

And, we must accept His response to the woman at the well in Samaria, who knew of the Messiah:

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:26 KJV)

The very same man who told priests in the synagogue that Isaiah had prophesied of Him:

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. (Luke 4:21 KJV)

What part of this is found to be unbelievable? Even without empirical evidence, is this more difficult to believe than scientific conclusions based on an earthbound mankind?

We use scientifically trusted instruments to postulate theories of things we cannot see. We conclude the reality based on mathematical equations trusted through centuries of use – yet we deny the spiritual. Somehow we overlook the failures of science but never overlook a perceived spiritual failure. Is that fair? Must we believe only what we see?  If so, how can the non-scientist trust science that we have not, cannot see?

God has made promises. They have been kept. 

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

See the story in Castillo’s portrait, then get to know the man and His life. Seek Him.