Daily Devotional for February 20, 2017
Christ or a Crutch
Nathan stood outside his brother’s room. He had meant to go in, but he didn’t really want to. The floor creaked a little under his weight, and he winced.
“Nathan?” called Sam from inside.
Nathan sighed and pushed the door open. “Mom says it’s time to eat.”
His older brother grinned. “With that face, I’m guessing there’s a lot of spinach!”
“No,” replied Nathan, looking at the ground.
“Hey, you want to help me up?” Nathan nodded, and took his older brother’s arm. Sam stood, hopping on his one leg before reaching for his crutch. “Thanks. Let’s go!”
Sam worked his way out of the room and down the hallway slowly, while Nathan followed. “Sorry, Nate, I’m a little slow. I’ll get better at using this in time.” He carefully leaned on his crutch and took another step. “That’s the thing about crutches. They’re a poor substitute for the real thing.”
Nathan didn’t answer and looked away from Sam’s missing right leg.
Sam paused near the top of the stairs. “Listen, Nate. I know this is hard for you. Believe me, it’s hard for me too. But we have hope, don’t we?”
“Yes.”
“Nathan, look here.” Nathan reluctantly looked up. Sam leaned against the wall and held up his crutch. “Have you heard people say that Jesus is just a crutch? Something to make us feel better in hard times?”
“Yeah,” said Nathan.
“Well, it’s not true. Jesus isn’t a crutch—He’s the real thing! We can praise Him now because of the hope He gives us. Do you know what that is?”
Nathan knew the answer. Sam had always talked about it, even before the accident. “The resurrection?”
“Right! See, I’m not going to be missing a leg forever. Jesus rose from the dead, and He’s going to raise you and me too! We won’t get hurt or sick ever again. Does that sound like a crutch to you?”
Nathan managed a smile for the first time that day. “No.”
“There are those teeth. All right then, let’s put them to work and eat some food!” – Kevin Zeller
How about you?
Is Jesus your hope for resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Him? Those who believe in Jesus Christ will be raised with new bodies one day and will no longer have to be afraid of getting hurt, getting sick, or dying. Trusting in Jesus not only brings us help in our lives now but hope for the future. Trust in Him today! (See the ABCs of Salvation in the column to the right.)
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