"How can I live a life that pleases Jesus if I don't have a clear picture of Who He Is?" That was the question a few of us pondered tonight as we gathered around Isaiah 53. The answers were compelling as we all explored the possibilities and realized that the only clear picture of Jesus is found in the Father's revelation of His Son through His Word...THE Word. Its finality is staggering if you stop to take it in. It's as though God's saying, "Here's the ultimate in my love for you. I've unveiled My very best in My Son. Search the universe if you will, but you will not find a more complete picture of Me." And so we lean in and look closely and are amazed at the contrast to what the world has to offer in the way of Saviors. A while back I recall a cartoonist depicting another world religion's leader in a political strip. It was so insulting to his followers that it seemed they were universally up in arms, demanding quick and decisive retribution of such a heinous offense... protesting... marching...burning. I find that interesting when I think of Isaiah's words about Jesus: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." What a stark contrast to the way the world thinks...even some Christians who feel "their" Jesus has been trampled upon and sense a strong urge to come to His aid by taking a stand for Him....now I'm not talking about cowering in the face of sin. Of course there are issues that we must take a stand against. He even instructs us to "stand firm" against those things in His Word...but not so that we can defend His honor...even though He has all honor...all power. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. C.H. Spurgeon once said about a lion, "You don't have to defend a lion...just set it free...it'll defend itself." But this Lion didn't...He became the Lamb... slain from the foundations of the world (Rev. 5:5-6). I am rarely less like Him than when I draw my sword as His best friend did to remove the heads of anyone who would attack Him. He has shown me the way He works...doing justly...loving mercy...walking humbly (Micah 6:8). He repairs the damage I've caused by my recklessness... replaces the ear...shows a more excellent way to defeat the enemy...and then He lays down His life for His friend...me...you. So how do I please Him? By living a life of humility as my Savior did. When offended I forgive...offer the other cheek...to the death if necessary. I don't kill to advance His kingdom. I die to advance His kingdom. It's a clear picture of Who He Is...question is: Do people see it reflected in me?