Centered on Christ
“When everything else fades into the background, Christ remains at the center—alive, present, and revealed.”
Acts 13:26, 29–30 — “To us the word of this salvation has been sent forth… But God raised Him from the dead.”
Inspired by eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s devotional draws our focus to what Paul understood so clearly: the Scriptures are not merely about history, morality, or tradition—they are about Christ. Everything in the Old Testament—the deliverance from Egypt, the rise and fall of kings, the law, the prophecies, the poetry—all of it pointed to a person. But many missed Him.
Paul didn’t ignore the Old Testament when preaching. He honored its timeline, referenced its figures, and reminded his listeners of God’s movements in history. But he always circled back—every thread led to Jesus. David, the man after God’s own heart, became the pivot in Paul’s message. Why? Because from David’s line came the Savior, Jesus Christ. And that was the whole point.
Paul wasn’t using the Old Testament to impress with knowledge or to give a mere recounting of Jewish heritage. He was unveiling its centerpiece—Christ Himself. The Scriptures were a doorway to Jesus, and Paul used them not to dwell in the past but to declare a present and risen Lord. He shared Christ crucified, buried, and raised—alive.
We’re reminded here that the aim of all revelation is not better moral behavior or theological correctness—it’s Christ. Christ is not an idea to be admired, but a living Person to be received, trusted, and shared. And Paul’s entire ministry flowed from that truth: everything else served as a path to Him.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I have always revealed Myself through the Word—not as a collection of facts, but as a living testimony of Christ. Every shadow was cast by Him, every promise found its Yes in Him, every prophet spoke under My breath pointing to His coming. The Law prepared the ground, but He is the Seed.
In ages past, many searched the Scriptures thinking that in them they would find life, but the life they sought was standing before them. My Spirit inspired every scroll with Christ at the center—not to feed minds only, but to awaken hearts.
Through the prophets, I proclaimed that a Savior would rise from David’s line. And in the fullness of time, I brought forth Jesus—crucified in weakness, raised in power, no longer merely the subject of Scripture, but its fulfillment.
Now, just as I guided Paul, I guide you—to see everything in light of Christ. Your reading, your teaching, your meditations—they find meaning when centered on Him. You are not called to mastery of doctrine apart from Me. You are invited into fellowship with the risen Lord.
The word of this salvation has been sent to you. And you bear it not as a burden, but as a joy. For you are not simply students of the Word—you are witnesses to the resurrection.
Let your heart rest in the simplicity of the message: Jesus Christ and Him crucified… and risen… and living in you.
(John 5:39–40, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Romans 1:3–4, Acts 13:26–30, 1 Corinthians 2:2, Colossians 1:27)
Prayer
Father, thank You that Your Word has never been a list of lifeless records but a living unfolding of Christ. Thank You for opening my eyes to see the fullness of Jesus in all of Scripture, and for rooting me in the simplicity and power of Christ alone.
I rejoice that You have sent forth the word of salvation to me—not as an echo from the past but as a present reality. Christ lives in me, and through Him I live today. May everything I read, speak, and think be centered on Him. There’s no better place to stand.
Amen.
Devotional Credit: Words of Ministry
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com