by Rev Douglas Brauner

Unfinished art.

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

Is the Sculptor ever done sculpting?

“But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8 English Standard Version

I’ve often held a baby in my arms after that child’s baptism. I’ve prayed a petition of thanksgiving that God formed this child, that he knew this child before the foundation of the world, but is God finished forming that child’s life? Is God finished with molding and shaping our lives?

Benson Sculpture Gardens, Loveland, Colorado

The older I get and the more I reflect on my life’s journey, I realize that God isn’t finished putting his hands to this muddy mess.

His hands have shaped me through joy-filled experiences.

His hands have shaped me through struggles.

Yes, God’s hands have shaped me through my sin and rebellion against the potter.

God has never taken his hands off of this piece of clay.

I wonder how difficult it is for sculptors to take their hands off of the clay? Do they ever believe that their creation is finished? Is there something else they want to add or take away to make the piece of art even more powerful, meaningful, or relevant? Do they walk through the gallery of their work and wish they could take the sculptures back to their studios and continue creating?

Take comfort, my friends, that God will not take his hands off of you. We spend everyday in God’s studio. Because of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, you are not the same today as you were when you too were brought to the waters of baptism.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado