What is Jesus Doing?

Years ago a bracelet question worn by many was, "What Would Jesus Do?" Of course, this is a lot of words for a bracelet so it became shortened to "WWJD."  The bracelet seemed to be worn by just about everyone back in its inaugural days and actually was instrumental in launching a Jesus movement among young people.   What many did not realize at the time was that a novel published in 1896 by Charles Monroe Sheldon known as "In His Steps" had as its full title, "In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?"  Most people who wore the bracelet have likely put it in a drawer of other memories from the past by now; however, the question still hangs out there in the air in many of our conversations.  

As a way of settling once and for all the religious controversies, social issues, and political arguments some seem ready to put on the bracelets again. Surely, knowing what Jesus would do would be the final word in settling all the things about which folks disagree.  However, it is still not working.  It is much like it was back in those divisive days of civil war in our country when both north and south claimed that what Jesus would do would have Him on our side.   Since this question is not really getting us anywhere maybe it is time to wonder if the wrong question is being asked.  

Maybe the real question is "What is Jesus doing?"  When we start looking for the answer to that question, we do not need to look at church leaders, social activists, or politicians.  Instead, we need only look in the mirror each day.  Whatever Jesus is doing in the midst of the chaotic times in which we live is going to be done through our hands, feet, and heart.  My reading of the gospel always shows Jesus treating people who are friend or foe with love and kindness and respect.  Surely, this is what He would choose to do in our troubled times, but how in the world is He going to do it unless we finally come to that place of laying aside the language of division and surrendering ourselves to the language of love?