PROXY FOR JESUS

When I was growing up my mother would often express appreciation when people did nice things for me and my brothers. She said it was like they were doing something for her. I guess that’s how it works when you are a parent; your children are extensions of you.

The same holds true for Jesus. We are all his children, including those who are the least. This would include people with any of a multitude of issues, including the poor and the sick. The people represented in that group are his proxies. A proxy is a person representing someone else. Those who are the least are actually proxies for Jesus himself.

One of the most difficult things for me is to embrace this. First of all, I am terribly judgmental. I question why a person is homeless. Are they lazy? Do they use drugs? Are they milking the system? Is a person poor because they make bad decisions? Do they spend their money on beer and cigarettes? Secondly, the needs are so great how can I possibly make a difference? How many people can I possibly help and will it matter?

I think part of the answer can be found in 1 Corinthians 12, which speaks to the various talents each member of the church is given. Each person must minister to others according to their talent. A person with the gift for healing might volunteer at a clinic or go on a medical mission trip. Another person might have a gift for teaching and lead classes that help people manage money or learn English. Yet another might have the gift of hospitality and serve a meal to those experiencing hunger.

My hope is that Jesus wants each of us to identify the way we can most effectively serve; he doesn’t expect us to do it all. We shouldn’t be crippled by the enormity of the need and do nothing. An act of kindness that helps even one person is fulfilling the wishes of Jesus.

By dying on the cross Jesus was our proxy. We must strive to help those in our community who are his proxies.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus as our proxy to die for our sins. Let us model Christ-like service to those in need. Amen

Susayn Brandes

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Reformation Lutheran Church A Congregation of the ELCA

PROXY FOR JESUS