by Kala Loptien

What’s your focal point?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Looking to Jesus,  the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2, ESV

In the wonderful world of photography, we often envision a scene or subject first through our own creative lens before the point and click can happen. There’s an artistic flow that occurs: composition, framing, lighting, position, palette, angle, depth of field… the list goes on. Experimenting with depth of field can result in blended, dreamy backgrounds. Blurred foreground elements might help cover unwanted subjects or just add an artsy vibe. These are awesome techniques that make for stunning photos. But when it comes to our spiritual depth of field — our focus — we’re often in need of an adjustment.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed and distracted by life. We worry about our past, present and future every day. So many concerns and fears fog our brain and blur our vision. And then God graciously adjusts our focus. Have you noticed that? Maybe a dear friend sends you a text you needed to hear. Maybe the sermon felt undeniably specific. Perhaps the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge led you to fervent prayer. Could it be that spending time in His Word provided a pointed and necessary reminder?

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”
2 Cor. 10:5, ESV

No matter the blurred background or foreground, the image that emerges for reconciled sinners is undeniably clear. It’s Jesus, seated at the right hand of the throne of God. On the cross, He bore the sins of the world so we would be made new and perfect. When God looks at us, He sees the beautiful, unfiltered righteousness of Christ. Did we do anything, can we do anything to earn this? No. His deep love for us is unmistakable. I pray we continue to fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO