Pocket Jesus
A pastor friend of mine—some of you know him—Carter Moss, gave out a bunch of what is called, "Pocket Jesus" to his congregation. My wife Karen put one in her van. The way she drives, I’m not sure if even Pocket Jesus would be safe! My admin, Maki Hagan, got a hold of a few of them and decided to strategically place them in different spaces in our church offices. I never know where Pocket Jesus is going to show up. Sometimes I get surprise attacks!
I think the big idea behind Pocket Jesus is to remind us that Jesus is always with us.
I remember one lady who went to our church years ago who said she didn’t like flying. I asked her why. She said it’s because in the King James Version of the Bible Jesus said, “Low I am with you always.” She of course was kidding—but maybe sometimes we do feel alone and wonder if Jesus sees us when we’re in trouble or hurting.
There’s a famous picture of Jesus holding a man up. Maybe you’ve seen it. I’ve always loved that picture. In fact, when I see it, I get kind of emotional.
There was a time in my life when I thought I was finished—as a husband and as a pastor. I don’t have time to tell the backstory, but I literally felt like my life was over as a 40-year-old man. I remember taking long walks along the beach and crying. It was such a lonely time. I thought God was angry at me because of the way I was handling things—or should I say not handling things. During that time, God sent some people into my life who pointed me in the right direction for getting help. A couple of years later, I was back. I got through the storm—but I couldn’t figure out how I got through it. Some of the most painful parts were kind of a blur.
Jesus was with me, but I wasn’t aware of it at the time. I thought He had abandoned me. When I saw that famous picture of Jesus holding up the man, I knew—that man was me. Jesus was literally holding me up when I couldn’t hold myself up. It’s so clear to me now, but at the time I was in a state of confusion.
I think Pocket Jesus is a cool idea. Maybe if I had walked those beaches with Pocket Jesus, it would have given me more hope. Whether it’s Pocket Jesus or a famous picture of a man being held up by Jesus, I think it’s okay to have reminders that we are not alone.
Jesus is always with us.
Stay close to Jesus,
Steve
PS If you would like a "Pocket Jesus" we will have some on the Guest Services table.