For even
hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:21).
God never
told us to follow or make some celebrities our examples, because He already
told us in His Word whom to emulate: “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him
and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]”
(Ephesians 5:1AMP). So, we’re to copy Jesus and emulate His lifestyle.
In
addition, we’re to follow the examples of men and women of faith whose exploits
are chronicled for us in the Word: “Remember them which have the rule over you,
who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the
end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7). He wants you to be inspired by those
who have taught you the Word of God, and have prevailed through the same Word.
Follow their examples of faith. It’s part of the reason we share testimonies of
our faith exploits so God’s people can be built up, edified and strengthened in
their faith-life.
For
example, we lay hands on the sick because that’s what the Word says we should
do, and more so, we see such remarkable examples from the Lord Himself. In
Bible days, He healed the sick and restored health to many: “...they brought
unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and
those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and
those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24).
It was the
same story with the Apostles; they repeated the same acts of faith they saw
with the Master and it worked. We’re doing the same today in the mighty and
matchless Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and countless testimonies abound. Many
are being healed, and many others, who have seen such faith-filled
ministrations on TV, the internet, or through our publications, have had their
faith stirred for the miraculous! We’re merely following His steps.
Let Christ
be your hero and example; emulate Him in all things, and live solely for Him.
PRAYER: Dear
Father, I thank you for faith that’s inspired in me as I study your Word. I’m
motivated and challenged by the examples of Christ, the Apostles, and the
Patriarchs of faith in the Bible; and I’m fully persuaded that my faith will
prevail as I put it to work today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER
STUDY: Hebrews 10:38NLT And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will
take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
Hebrews
11:32-35NLT How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount
the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and
all the prophets. 33 By faith these people
overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised
them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched
the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness
was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to
flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back
again from death.
1 YEAR
BIBLE READING PLAN: John 18:1-27 1 Chronicles 11-13
2 YEAR
BIBLE READING
No comments:
Post a Comment