An Encounter with Jesus

Today, as I was reading in the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman (an amazing, life changing book by the way), the author suggested a scenario that caused me to play out a mental visualization that I can't get out of my head. A question I can't find a completely acceptable answer to. A realization that my life needs to revolve around the honest, heart-felt, all or nothing answer to this question. Here's how it goes:

I am in a coffee shop, which is peculiar in the first place since I don't drink coffee but that was where Kyle Idleman placed his scenario so we'll go with it. I am enjoying my Diet Dr. Pepper and checking my email, facebook, surfing the internet, when in walks Jesus. He comes straight to me, which seems to also be a peculiarity. There are so many other important people He could be visiting. Why me? Those thoughts fade away though when I stand up to greet Him and He wraps me up in a big bear hug. I melt into His strong arms and stay there a bit longer than my brain tells me is socially acceptable. When He finally releases me, I look up into His face and He says, "I love you" to which I respond the standard answer of "I love you too."

We sit down in the booth and Jesus takes my hands in His. My attention immediately goes to the scars that are evident in His hands but it doesn't stay there because of His next question. Lost in the deep pools that are His eyes, He says to me, "Do you really love me too?"

"Do you really love me?" 

Obviously my standard answer isn't going to cut it with Jesus. He isn't looking for my words. He's looking for so much more. My thoughts go to Peter and this same conversation the Lord had with him on the banks of the Sea of Tiberias. Peter was inclined to give the pat answer too, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." John 21:15 But that wasn't good enough for Jesus. He knew that Peter was going to face great adversity and would be instrumental in starting the church so "I love you too" needed to come from the very depths of his soul. It needed to be with his heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)

So here I am with this question: "Do you love me?"  Noah loved God enough to give up everything to live in a boat. Moses loved God enough to give up everything to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Abraham loved God enough to willingly sacrifice his precious son. The disciples loved Jesus enough to give up everything to follow Him and later even gave up their lives. What am I willing to give up? Do I love Him more than my house, my car, and my material possessions? Do I love Him more than my job or my church? Do I love him more than my family? Do I love Him more than my life?

Tough questions. But the realization that the answers will ultimately define my relationship with Jesus and dictate my eternal home behooves me to get serious about my responses. Praise the Lord that I'm a work in progress and He's not finished with me yet!