We have an example to follow. Peter has explained in five verses how we should conduct our lives. They are self-explanatory. It doesn’t matter what version you study, they all say in a few verses, what it means to be a Christian.
We are not here by accident. We are all called for a purpose. Christ suffered for us. He lived a life on the earth just as we have. He was born. He lived with a family and siblings. He was schooled. He learned a trade. He had a ministry to fulfill. He lived for thirty-three years. That is pretty much where the similarities end.
The whole of His life He committed no sin. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same, for we know the scripture says that all have sinned, all but Him. He did not deceive anyone with the words of His mouth. He spoke truth and wisdom. He was disparaged and mocked. Many unsuccessful attempts were made to “trip” Him up. Scripture repeats many times that He knew what they were thinking and always had just responses to their inquiries.
He was humiliated, persecuted and tortured, yet He uttered no threats. He had the power but He trusted everything to His Father in heaven. A righteous God. Though humanity did nothing to merit favor, He took our past sins, our present sins and our future sins upon His body, on a cross, between two thieves. Why? So we could have the opportunity to follow the greatest example of perfection that ever walked on the earth. That we might die to the sins that held us captive and live a life unto righteousness. Confident that by His stripes we are healed.
He died. So will we. He rose from the tomb and broke the chains of death. Why? So that whosoever would believe in Him should have everlasting life and rise from death here, to eternal life with Him.
Before we met Jesus, we were like sheep who strayed into a dangerous and sinful world. Sadly, we have times after we meet Him that we still deal with sin. He continually calls us, until we return to our Shepherd, the Guardian of our souls.
~Thought For Today~
I cannot help but think what a wonderful world it would be if we all treated each other after the example of Jesus. Our homes would be peaceful. Sin would not destroy relationships? Our workplace would be free of backbiting and jealousy. Our country would look totally different from today. We would forgive and extend grace and mercy and receive it in return.
We cannot make anyone follow this exquisite example of godly living. But, we do have control of our own lives. We can choose to follow Him. We can teach our children and grandchildren about Jesus, the Savior of the world. One person at a time, beginning with each of us.
So, wherever we go today, let us go in peace, love, forgiveness and grace. We can be confident that where we are Jesus is there…Our Shepherd, the Guardian of our soul.
~Scripture For Today~
1 Peter 2:21-25
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (NASB)
Romans 3:23
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We pray that we follow the example of Jesus. We can never achieve the perfection of our Savior, but we can strive to treat others with the same grace and love that He extends to us. Reviling no one and quick to forgive. Thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us. Forgive us of ours sins and where we fail You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.