“For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; but then shall I know, even as also I am known,” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

We’ve been at an anime convention this past weekend with three teenagers. Just about everyone was dressed-up in their favorite character’s costume, and the attire was stranger and more unusual than what you could possibly imagine.

Most of the crowds were teenagers or young adults, who were in their twenties or early thirties. Any kind of contraption made out of wood or material, had been used to create a sword, or some elaborate addition to their costume.

Most of them had obviously taken long hours and the utmost care and expense, to make their costumes match the person that they were emulating. Enormous wigs of purple, green, bronze, or white, covered their heads, and oftentimes, an unusual helmet or head dress, topped it off. Garish make-up was painted on in haunting tones and colors to depict a warrior, war lord, enchantress, or villain. All day long, the characters roamed the premises giggling, posing, and walked around in animated fashion.

We all have an image that we portray to the world around us, and yet how many of us are true to that self that lies at our very core?

Shakespeare once said, “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Thousands of people had chosen to dress in the garb of their favorite character at this convention, perhaps because there was something about this character that they admired. We live in a world where the young are always perhaps looking for a hero, a person, or an image, that portrays qualities that they can identify with.

But what are those qualities, when so much of the world around us is filled full of despair and hatred?

Who is it who would stand taller than the rest to represent hope and strength to the masses?

Those who wore the costumes around me were all fictional characters, depicted from Asian videos and shows. They didn’t necessarily represent actual people who had lived, and yet, for thousands of years, many have sought out a Hercules or a superman, who might save them from their mundane world.

However, we all do have someone that came and lived the life that we can and should, emulate in the man of Jesus Christ. His life personified the greatest achievements and character that any super hero could ever acquire. He didn’t need to wear elaborate costumes, or attract attention, because his mere presence, attracted the masses, and caused many to be drawn to him.

We don’t need to dress-up to become something that we aren’t, or ever will be. Our lives are hidden in Christ, and now we can wear the robes and attire of His Kingdom, instead of the fictitious rags of dark dungeons and faraway places.

“I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels,” Isaiah 61:10.

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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