By: David Jeremiah Imitating Jesus I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. John 17:4 It is not unusual in families for the firstborn child to establish a pattern or standard that younger siblings tend to imitate -- at least at first. Its only natural that young children look to older ones to learn family customs and expectations. When young children realize they have a will and a choice, imitation may give way to self-directed behavior -- for better or worse. The apostle Paul spoke of Jesus Christ as the firstborn among many brethren, and of Gods purpose in conforming us to Christs image (Romans 8:29). Therefore, when it comes to relating to God the Father, Jesus becomes the model for us, His younger siblings in the faith. Jesus lived a life of complete obedience to the Father. He did nothing on His own initiative, but came into the world to accomplish the work the Father had given Him. Likewise, Paul writes that there are works God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Like Jesus, we have been given work to do by the Father. And Jesus is the model of obedience we should follow. If you face a challenging task from God today, ask yourself, How would Jesus handle this? Then go and do the same. Nowhere do we imitate God more than in showing mercy. Albert Barnes
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 16:21:54 +0000
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