by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Discovering Symmetry in Life

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

“You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48 English Standard Version

The symmetry of wind-swept sand is mesmerizing, creating unique shapes highlighted by how light falls on the sculpted grains. If I were to stand in the exact spot where I took this picture two days later, the sand would look different as though it is in constant motion, a reminder of the always present hand of the Creator doing what he does best.

Then a bug breaks the symmetry of the sand, traversing to who knows where to do who knows what. It doesn’t take a direct route, but in an asymmetrical way it goes on its journey.

God calls humans to live a perfectly symmetrical life in his love. Adam and Eve lived this life. They knew what it felt like to walk in perfect harmony with the contours of the Creator, but something happened, and life changed. They decided that they knew a better way to live than God had planned for them. And the symmetry was broken.

Then we hear the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “You must be perfect.” Ugh! I’m the bug that destroys the perfect symmetry of God’s will. How can I be perfect?

My gut tells me that not long after I took this picture, the line drawn by the bug disappeared because of the constant ocean breeze. Symmetry was restored. Yes, you cannot be perfect by any effort of your own. It is Jesus, and Jesus alone who restores you. The wind of his grace blows over you. And the Father sees you as his perfect child in Jesus, his blood covering you and washing away your sin. He sets you free, free to live a different life, free to experience peace.

I pray that you would sense the wind of grace blowing over your life today and find peace that only Jesus can give. And remember, you are not alone. There are numerous “bugs” out there who also know the wind of grace.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado