by Rev Douglas Brauner

Finding community in the presence of Jesus

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

Art takes many forms, even that of benches. In Avon, Colorado last summer, artists combined forces with local businesses and not-for-profit institutions to create benches that both displayed a message and gave rest to weary walkers.

Avon, Colorado

What’s most striking about this bench is the slogan, “You Are Not Alone.” It might not surprise you that this bench was designed by the Eagle River Youth Coalition. It seems that the world in which young people are growing up is more divided than ever and filled with loneliness.

This is the only bench among all the other benches that’s shaped in a “C.” That shape is intentional. It is hoped that people will sit together and join in face-to-face conversations. It is hoped that conversations will lead to connections, and connections to community.

Isn’t that much of what the world is missing? Either we don’t have the time or the desire to sit across from another person to listen to each other and form community.

Maybe that’s also the way we approach God. We’d rather sit alone on our bench than engage him in face-to-face conversation. For a moment, picture yourself sitting on one side of the bench and Jesus on the other side. Imagine that you are having a conversation with him.

What are you talking about?

How does it feel to talk face-to-face with Jesus?

Now picture the words, “You Are Not Alone,” connecting the two of you. When we are in the presence of the One who died for us, rose for us, and still lives for us, it’s hard to feel alone. The words Jesus spoke over his disciples are words he speaks over you.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20 English Standard Version

Now picture the bench filled with other people joining your conversation. We experience Jesus when we join together as the baptized community of God, a community that also invites others to join the conversation.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado