Bernie Memes

I bet you can’t even count how many Bernie memes you’ve seen this week. Bernie’s been everywhere in just one short week! My favorite meme this week was when Bernie came to visit The Hunt Store, right down the highway from our YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. He looked so cute with his little handcrafted mittens, seemingly without a care in the world, stopping in for a lovely meal by the fireplace.

I just came to wonder if we’d see Jesus that way. Doesn’t Jesus look a little funny in our minds sometimes? I guess He really did at times. Jesus showed up in all sorts of places to be with all kinds of people. He healed the deaf mute in Decapolis. He healed a paralytic at Bethseda. He healed the blind man, Bartimaeus, in Jericho. He hung out with Mary and Martha in Bethany. One day, Jesus showed up on a cross  for you and me.  In fact, people came from all over to see Jesus and hear Him speak as well!

But what we saw with Bernie is that people were putting him places. You name it, Bernie was there! Where would you put Jesus in your life? Would you put him in the grocery store? Would you put Him in the YMCA? Would you put him in the shopping mall? Would you take Him on vacation? Would Jesus sit beside you at work? In the end, I have to wonder, isn’t Jesus there with You all the time?

The Bible speaks to Jesus’ presence. In Matthew 28:19-20 it says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Jesus was actually speaking those words.

We can insert Jesus everywhere. In fact we can insert Jesus everywhere, even unto the end of the age. Will you think about Him when you first open your eyes? Will you go to sleep talking to Jesus? Can your mind focus on Him at every lull in your mental processes? Will you engage with Him in your work? 

You and I might never meet Bernie face to face. But we can meet Jesus. Maybe it’s time in your life to cultivate a deeper relationship with our precious Savior. He is always with you.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.