by Rev Douglas Brauner

Our Call to Point to Christ

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

This sculpture sits outside the public library in Avon, Colorado. To me it speaks of an older brother reading to his younger sister and brother. They intently follow every word that he reads to them, engaged in the mystery of the printed word.

Avon, Colorado

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 
1 Timothy 4:12 English Standard Version

Paul reminds Timothy that he is the book that others read. The community he pastors isn’t simply looking over his shoulder. They’re looking at him. He reveals Christ to his follows in how he speaks and what he does. His conduct and speech are to be clothed with love, faith and purity. As such he points to Christ.

We are the book that other people read. People are not simply looking over our shoulders. They’re looking at us. We reveal Christ to others in how we speak and what we do. Our conduct and speech are to be clothed with love, faith and purity. As such we point to Christ.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” 
1 Peter 2:21 English Standard Version

Jesus is the book that all of us read. He is the Word of God in human flesh. When we see Jesus we see the Godhead. He is the fullness of God clothed with our humanity. The love, faith and purity that people see in us is the result of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

We’re not Christ. We fail. We struggle. We rebel. Yet, as the redeemed of God, we have a responsibility to the people around us. Thank God for his forgiveness. Thank God for the gift of his Spirit who empowers us to follow Christ’s example so that others see Jesus in us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado