READ: Jeremiah 1,2; Psalms 96; Ephesians 5
SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5: 1 Be
imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
OBSERVATION: Many people
are fascinated to read and follow the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus’s life
challenges people even now as it was in the first century. So far, hundreds of
books have been written on the subject of following Jesus. Thomas à Kempis’s Imitation
of Christ is a well-known and widely read book across the globe. Kempis
endorses ascetic life to follow Jesus. Likewise, different authors write their
books on following Jesus with a particular view and espouse it. But Paul
encourages the Ephesian believers to be imitators of Jesus. Paul himself was
ardent to follow the example of Jesus (1 Cor.11:1). Early apostles emphasized that
Christians should follow the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Jn.2:6). After
washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus said, “I have set you an example that
you should do as I have done for you” (Jn.13:14-15). The Gospel book gives us a
comprehensive understanding of Jesus to follow him diligently.
Some may ask, does living like Jesus
mean that we must do everything he did? Is it be possible for us? First, we must
know that Christ will never ask us to do something beyond our ability. Secondly,
considering the context of this verse (Eph.4:32; 5:1-2), we know that Paul
speaks about loving one another, “forgiving each other,” and “living a life of
love.” We all have our own understanding and limitations concerning loving and
forgiving others. Here, the verse calls us to love and forgive “just as Christ”
loved and forgave us. Like the dearly loved children try to follow and imitate
their parents, we are to imitate the example of Jesus. The first step in
following Christ is to deny ourselves (Mt.8:34; Lk.22:34). In Greek, “Be
imitators of God” comes in present imperative, which means it is a command for
us to follow daily and continually in our lives. When we imitate Jesus, our
life will be “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
APPLICATION: I am called
to live for Jesus. I must love and forgive others just as Christ loved me. I
cannot do this in my strength. I can do nothing without Christ. As I remain in
Christ, I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, who helps me to follow the example
of God. Living like Jesus is not a burden but makes my life heaven to me and others.
PRAYER: My God, thank you
for your exemplary love and forgiveness. Jesus, thank you for your sacrificial
life that helps me understand God’s love. Holy Spirit, give me your power to
imitate God in all areas of my life. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 278
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