Ceux qui connaissent ton nom se confieront en toi ; car tu n’as pas abandonné ceux qui te cherchent, ô Éternel ! Psaume 9. 10
Toi qui disposes
De toutes choses
Et nous les donnes chaque jour,
Reçois, ô Père !
Notre prière
De reconnaissance et d’amour.
Que, par ta grâce,
L’instant qui passe
Serve à nous rapprocher de toi !
Et qu’à chaque heure,
Vers ta demeure
Nos cœurs s’élèvent par la foi !
Sauveur fidèle,
Divin modèle,
Seul digne de guider mes pas,
Ta voix m’attire,
Et je n’aspire
Qu’à te ressembler ici-bas.
Heureuse voie,
Grande est ma joie :
Sous ton regard, Sauveur clément,
Mon âme éprouve
Qu’en toi se trouve
Son absolu contentement.
J.R. Mazeirac
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The Smiling Jesus
God . . . has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Hebrews 1:9
If you were to play the part of Jesus in a movie, how would you approach the role? That was the challenge faced by Bruce Marchiano, who played Jesus in the 1993 Visual Bible movie Matthew. Knowing that millions of viewers would draw conclusions about Jesus based on his work, the weight of getting Christ “right” felt overwhelming. He fell to his knees in prayer and begged Jesus for—well, for Jesus.
Bruce gained insight from the first chapter of Hebrews, where the writer tells us how God the Father set the Son apart by anointing Him “with the oil of joy” (1:9). This kind of joy is one of celebration—a gladness of connection to the Father expressed wholeheartedly. Such joy ruled in Jesus’ heart throughout His life. As Hebrews 12:2 describes it, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Taking his cue from this scriptural expression, Bruce offered a uniquely joy-filled portrayal of his Savior. As a result, he became known as “the smiling Jesus.” We too can dare to fall to our knees and “beg Jesus for Jesus.”
May He so fill us with His character that people around us see the expression of His love in us!
By: Elisa Morgan
Reflect & Pray
What are your perceptions of Jesus and how might they need to change? How can you represent Him as you show His heart to the world?
Dear Jesus, we beg You for You. May Your heart be what others see in us today. May we radiate Your joy in all we say and do.
