Some days I cruise through the verses that come into my email inbox as either a study verse or verse of the day. Other days I hit the brakes, and you can almost smell the rubber burning as I come to an abrupt stop.
That happened this morning. The verse was from 1John 2:6: “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” [NLT]
Immediately I am wondering if I am living my life “as Jesus did.” That is a tough assignment. But how can I claim that I am “in Christ,” and that Christ is living in me If I do not say the things Jesus said and do the things Jesus did.
Jesus identified Himself with the prophecy found in Isaiah 61. He said that prophecy was fulfilled in Him.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” [Isaiah 61, Luke 4:18-19 NLT]
That was how Jesus lived. Now His Spirit lives in us. Now we are anointed to proclaim the Gospel to the lost. We are to declare that those who are held captive by sin, and guilt, and shame can be set free. We are to announce that those bound in darkness, those spiritually blinded and oppressed, now can have the light of Christ.
Am I living my life “as Jesus did?” I pray, Father, that I have courage and strength to do so. Amen
