Daily Manna: Following Jesus

Friday 27, December 2013

TEXT: 1 PETER 2:21-25

KEY VERSE: “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).

Charles M. Sheldon, the author of the book: In His Steps, told of a Pastor who, while working on his Sunday sermon on a Friday morning, was disturbed in his house by a tramp. The tramp, looking unkept and haggard, had come to ask him for a job or direction on how to get one having been laid off from his printing job with nothing for him and family. The Pastor told him there was no way he could help.

On Sunday, he preached from the passage we have read today. After a well delivered sermon, someone walked from the back of the church to the front and faced the congregation. It was the tramp. He asked the congregation a few questions, “What do you mean when you sing, ‘I‘ll go with him, with him, all the way’? Do you mean you will suffer and deny yourselves in trying to save the lost, suffering humanity just as I understand Jesus did? It seems to me that there is an awful lot of trouble in the world that somehow would not exist if people who sing such songs were to live them out. But what would Jesus do?” At this point, the tramp slumped and died of starvation.

This passage contains the central message of the Christian faith. It amply presents to us our Saviour and Redeemer who throughout His ministry here on earth and now through the Spirit, bids us, His Bride, to follow Him. The word ‘follow’ is interpreted from the Greek word that implies tracing or copying the handwriting of the teacher. By His example, we learn that when we suffer for our faith, we endure it mindfully: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not”. His death on the cross makes possible our repentance (death to sin) and righteousness (life of God). Our show of gratitude to such a wonderful Saviour should be to follow His footsteps. In all situations, we should ask ourselves, What would Jesus do?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Christ is our perfect example.

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