Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the first part that resulted from what Jesus pronounced during his ministry, providing the world the example to follow.
As a matter of fact, he said in Matthew 11: 29-30: 29 Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls; 30 For my yoke is good, and the weight I take up is not hard.
The Saviour urges us to submit ourselves to his authority, by receiving in counterpart relief and rest; in other words, what you may read in John 14:27: May peace be with you; my peace I give to you: I give it not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled; let it be without fear.
He promises relief and reminds that the conditions of this deliverance is to bear one’s own yoke, which is to learn from him, not only by being instructed from his teaching, but to imitate his example, meaning to live his life. We should choose that way without hesitating, because he is gentle and humble of heart. Don’t be afraid to join my teaching, he said, for I am full of support, of patience, and my yoke is easy to take up. We so learn from him gentleness and humility that he had.
However, for the proud ones who look for their justice, this yoke will be unbearable; and will not be easy like for those who are gentle and humble of heart. So, that is to be in accordance with Christ. In order to reach it, we should renounce to ourselves. That’s why he said in Matthew 16:24: If any man would come after me, let him give up all, and take up his cross, and come after me.
Therefore, the disciple is requested to submit himself to God’s will, despite rejection and persecution that the announcement of gospel may provoke in a hostile world. So, his ultimate decision to be taken is to renounce to himself instead of renouncing to Christ.
And then, he should take up his cross, instrument of suffering, of disgrace and death.
Finally, the disciple should follow the Lord in his way of obedience and bringing down until death. That’s why trying to save your earthly life, means choosing to loose eternal life granted by the Spirit of God. And the entire world cannot compensate this loss. This is why Jesus reminds that he gave us an example when he said in John 13:15: I have given you an example, so that you may do what I have done to you.
It is worth mentioning that his disciples used to call him Rabbi, Master, the one who teaches, which he approved, before saying to them: so, if I, the Lord and the Master, I brought down myself until washing your feet, how much more should you also be ready to provide to one another the most humble duties of devotion and love?
For the one who loves his brother dwells in the light and nothing in him may cause his falling, whereby if he hates his brother, he remains in darkness. That’s why the God of perseverance and comfort urges us to bear the same fillings for one another, according to Jesus Christ.
Lastly, four other verses provide additional reasons on the duty of following Jesus’ footsteps:
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I, Paul, myself make request to you by the quiet and gentle behavior of Christ, I who am poor in spirit when with you, but who say what is in my mind to you without fear when I am away from you:
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus,
Colossians 3:13 Being gentle to one another and having forgiveness for one another, if anyone has done wrong to his brother, even as the Lord had forgiveness for you:
Hebrews 12:2 Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God’s seat of power.
1 Peter 2:21 This is God’s purpose for you: because Jesus himself underwent punishment for you, giving you an example, so that you might go in his footsteps.
Definitely, following Jesus Christ guarantee us beyond relief: deliverance, salvation, rest and peace, and mostly, eternal life. He obeyed to the heavenly Father who gave him glory by getting him taken at the right hand of God’s seat of power.
Of course, sufferings and death are steps to be taken like he did. So, choosing life is what he wants for our soul, for Jesus loves us wholeheartedly and he gave his own life for that purpose. What a joy for us to join God and him later on in heaven! This is our prayer for all of you.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows :
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all adoration, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be glad to revert on your queries and comments as necessary, before sharing next week on uprightness that should guide our life.
May the Almighty God bless you in abundance.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.