Modelling Christ – Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 223

Since last week’s devotion, I have been dwelling on the distinction of muddling Jesus and modelling Jesus.

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

I love etymology (the study of the roots of words).  When I studied the roots of muddle and model, two images came to mind.

Muddle, comes from (you guessed it), the root meaning ‘wading in mud’.The picture I get is Jesus in the mire with us, mud on his face, laughing, up to his ankle in the goop, helping us walk to the Rock of Christ.

Model comes from modus, the latin for measure, bound, limit, moderation. I see us as first being modelled by Christ. We are the clay formed in his nail-scarred hand. We are becoming his workmanship.

Being conformed to Christ is not an easy time. Isaiah 64 is a poignant dance of confession and redemption wrapped in the power and mercy of God. (If you have a chance, please read the whole chapter.)

After all clay models need to be baked in the fire to hold their shape. Testing awaits us all, but oh to be more like Him who shapes us!

Prayer

Lord, you are the potter, I am the clay.

Amen