Devotion: Incarnate

Incarnate

The moment those words leave your mouth and you realize you have just done the thing you swore you’d never do….you have now just said something just like your parents. While I don’t have children of my own to use any of this infamous verbiage with, I still have plenty of moments where I find myself slowly morphing into the next version of my parents and it’s only a little frightening.

On Sunday, Pastor Greg explained incarnation as an embodied presence. We are creatures of learned behaviors, phrases and tendencies, so it only makes sense that I would inherit colloquialisms, traits and mannerisms from those who raised me. I am also grateful for the several Christ-like leaders who helped to shape me throughout my life. So in a similar way, how can I use my relationship with God to imitate His way, and become more Christ-like in my life?

Sometimes I find myself dismissing the ways in which God has created me, the gifts He has given me and I may lean more on what I hear in the world. But even as Jeremiah diminished his abilities, the Lord reassured and said:

“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy,’
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,
            says the Lord.”

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me,

“Now I have put my words in your mouth.

Jeremiah 1:7-9

The Lord affirmed Jeremiah, reminded him of His presence and equipped him to use his gifts, just as he was formed. It was no accident that the Lord has formed each of us on purpose and for a purpose. 

How are you being called to be an embodied Christ-follower in the world?

Heavenly Father,
Give us the courage to live in the ways you have called us to live. May it be your words we share from our mouths and your actions we share with others. Help us to become more like you each day and thank you for the compassion when we fall short.
In your Son’s precious name, Amen.

Written by Amy Wagner

Amy has been on staff at Sheridan since 2007 and currently serves as the Director of Ministries. When she is not in the church office, Amy enjoys working out, serving others and sharing conversations over a good cup of coffee.
Amy and her husband, Brent, love the community of Sheridan and are blessed to call this place their church home.