His name was Harlan Sanders...
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His name was Harlan Sanders. It is hardly a household name outside of his home state of Kentucky. He lived to be ninety years of age. When he was sixty he owned one restaurant. But within five years he was "Colonel Sanders" of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame. His white suit and white hair became his trademarks. He is known all over the world. When children saw him they would say, "That's Colonel Sanders." Instant recognition. Because a traitor had told them who to look for, it was instant recognition when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. Judas, his treasurer and friend, had betrayed him. In the process of betrayal Judas had so clearly described the appearance of Jesus that even though it was nighttime, and the soldiers were carrying torches and lanterns, they knew Jesus when they saw him. It was not like children seeing Colonel Sanders. It was cruel officials finding their target. But there in that scene, Jesus showed his greatness to those who were coming to arrest him. He knew all that was going to happen, yet he went out to meet the soldiers with the words, "Who is it you want? I am he!" His composure told the story of who he really was. In that hour Jesus gave peace and love to those who had come to him in the name of hate and death. He had compassion for those who set themselves up to be his enemies. He had mercy and forgiveness in his heart for Judas. Surely the soldiers did not fail to notice the instant recognition of our Lord. Do others instantly recognize the Jesus in us?
-- Shearer
-- Shearer
