Those who crowded the streets just to get a glimpse knew. They knew He was different. God in the flesh stands out.

“We all live off his generous bounty, gift after gift after gift. We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, This endless knowing and understanding— all this came through Jesus, the Messiah. No one has ever seen God, not so much as a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-Expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day.” (John 1:16 MSG)

One part of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him never ceases to amaze me. It’s the part compelling me to be just as unique as Himself. We are to stand out. We are to show people a new way, a better way. We are to now be the “light of the world.”

This show-stopping uniqueness is not, however, to draw attention to us. In a powerful way, like Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:13-16, we get to point the way to our Father. We get to point the way to love, grace, generosity, forgiveness and so much more.

It’s ok to be different, to stand out. We’re called to be different…in the best sort of way.