Daily Devotions
To many Americans bigger is better – skyscrapers, domed stadiums, multinational corporations. But in reality we live in a mini-world. Much of our recent progress traces to the microscope, the transistor, the atom, and the computer chip. Small automobiles, radios, and calculators count for real value in today’s world.
As Paul suggests in Corinthians, God has not worked through the wisdom and power of the world but through lowly and despised things. Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger in Bethlehem, a small town in a subjugated nation. He lived only 33 years. While He walked the dusty roads of Palestine, the Roman legions were marching proudly and successfully through the world. But that one man, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, pursued a mission that would turn the world upside down. He came to give His life on a despised cross. His death brought forgiveness of sins as a gift to the world. By historical accounts at the time, His death was a mini-happening. The big news events occurred in Rome. But Christ’s death cost God the precious blood of His Son. And it brought about a new breed of people called Christians, dedicated to glorify God and serve others. Though initially not wealthy or influential, they changed the course of history.
You may view your Christian life as a mini-event, but the example of your life and the testimony of your lips will influence the world. Drawing on the Savior’s sacrifice for you and feeding regularly on His Word, you can live boldly for Him in a huge world. God’s Son can take your mini-life and use it to help write the story of His salvation large across the world.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help me to value my life, though seemingly small, as Your instrument for reaching others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)