And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
I have a small collection of crèches made by craftsmen around the world I keep out all year. I like to see the holy family as crafted by Asian, South American, and African artists; it helps me see the Savior born for all nations.
One morning I found the Peruvian baby Jesus on the floor with both hands broken off. Apparently my new puppy had been “investigating” the manger. I immediately found another location for my nativities. Later I saw a message in the mess: We are to be Christ’s hands in the world, sharing the Good News of His salvation and showing His love.
Too often my prayers focus on what I need (forgiveness, always; help, often) or for His solution to problems that seem beyond my reach. Not often enough do I offer my hands to God, to serve His people in this place. During Lent we focus on the passion of our Lord, the nails that pierced His hands, His feet. We see His love stretched out on the cross, but sometimes we forget that our resurrected Lord gives us, His disciples, the power and command to be His hands, doing His work.
We can serve Him by taking His Gospel into all lands and neighborhoods through our words and actions. For me, that means supporting missionaries around the world and serving Him in my own community. As I love my neighbor, I love my Savior.
Prayer: O Dearest Lord, Thy precious hands with nails were pierced for me. O pour Your Spirit on my hands that they may work for Thee. Amen.
Response: How can you be Christ’s hands today?
(Devotions from "Cross of Ashes" by Christine Weerts, a Lenten devotional provided by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Copyright 2005, Int'l LLL. 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.)
Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 3-4 Mark 12:28-44
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