More on the Image of Jesus

Peter Marshall, the great Scotsman and pastor in the 1930's and 40's, chaplain in the Senate, crushed the view of Jesus, meek and mild. Jesus was a carpenter, with big workman hands. His disciples were fishermen, hard working men. "No pansies here" Some in his church didn't want to hear that aspect of Jesus. How could He be a common working Man?
The book I'm reading also talked about righteous anger, as we remember Jesus overturning the tables in the Temple. His anger at the Pharisees burned, but He also loved them. So how are we to speak love at times? Mark Galli suggests being nice is not nice. We need to tell people the truth.
Dad when he had been out of work for over a year, applied for Manpower jobs, a government program. I don't remember all the details, but the whole process had an ugly underbelly of political favor. My dad made the front page of the local paper as he was angry at the injustice voicing that at a public meeting. My mom was sick for a week, because Dad wasn't being nice. I was proud of Dad standing up for what is right.
I recall growing up hearing at times that if Jesus entered the modern day church, He wouldn't be welcomed. One was the idea of His hippy appearance. But His teaching is radical for the day in which He preached it as well as today. It is upside down thinking. Give up your life, so you may find it? You must hate you father and mother? Jesus uses hyperbole to make His point. He must be first and foremost in a follower's life. He cannot be an addition.
I heard a radio minute yesterday about salvation and following Jesus. The speaker confirmed it is not easy, it is impossible to live the disciplined life. That is where Jesus comes in. With God, all things are possible. His righteousness covers a believer. But it is not just saying a prayer. We are to turn from our sins, making Jesus all our life. Yeah, that is hard.
I got a e-newsletter today recommending reading John 15 every day for this month. Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, apart from Him, we can do nothing. I extend the challenge to you, my readers. Let Jesus fill your life. Experience the wild ride with Him.