The Jesus action figure

The advertisement asks, “Can you use a miracle today?”

The action figures stands 5″ tall and features glow-in-the-dark hands! He comes in an illustrated window box with 8 accessories: a jug, 2 fish, and 5 loaves of bread.

At first I scoffed outright at this vain commercialization of God Incarnate. But then I got to thinking. This action figure is much like my life. In desperate need of salvation, of comfort and of right living, I should be turning to the real Jesus. But instead I substitute him with cheap imitations, the Jesus action figures of pleasure, power and pride.

I drink from the shallow well of pleasure, hoping to satisfy the thirst with things that coddle my flesh. Eating, sex, and comfortable living all appeal to my base man, but they leave me wanting.  

So I turn to power, thinking that by controlling people or situations, that I’ll taste glory. I demand and contrive, manipulate and manuever and think that I’ve got it under control. Until the bottom drops out and I’m left empty.

And then I look to pride, that awful green potion that I drink that swells my head, puffs out my chest, and trips my feet, all at the same time. I so desperately yearn for the attention of others, the applause of men, and the admiration of the masses, that I’m willing to sell my soul.

All of these are the Jesus action figures of my life. I need to save my $13.89 and turn to the Word of God. I need to push away all the distractions, and be in His presence. I need to turn away from cheap imitations, and wipe His feet with tears of repentance.

I need the real Jesus.

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