RPG Adults
FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
1 Peter 2:21-25
Psalm 22:1-15
“I will speak of
thy testimonies also before kings,
and will not be ashamed.”
FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST
The life of a stranger and a pilgrim is a difficult one. Although as Christians we are called to this difficult life, we can be encouraged by the example of endurance under suffering set for us by our Lord during His earthly ministry (1 Pet 2:23).
Quoting from the Old Testament, the Apostle reminded us of the complete innocence of the Lord. As He stood before His accusers, He was not only innocent of their accusations, but was not guilty of any sin (Isa 53:9). Yet when He was insulted, He did not insult in return, but remained silent. Being God and knowing all things, He could have answered by revealing their secret sins, but He did not. When caused to suffer terrible physical abuse, He did not retaliate. He could have called innumerable angels to His defence, but He did not because His purpose was to do the Father’s will and give His life to save the lost (Matt 26:15-56).
Christ suffered unjustly, and He entrusted Himself to the just, righteous, impartial judgment of God the Father. He knew the Father would find His sacrifice acceptable and give victory over sin and death. This victory would then be passed to all who, by faith, would claim Christ as their Saviour. In taking our own sins upon Himself, He has freed us from sin’s penalty and power and enabled us to live righteously as a testimony to God’s great salvation.
We were all like rebellious sheep, and God brought us back to Himself by placing our sins on Jesus Christ. So, this chapter ends by reminding us of the great cost of bringing us back to the protection and guidance of our soul’s Shepherd and Overseer. Considering the price paid for our salvation, and the great love that this reveals, we are reminded of the need to follow our Saviour. When our lives are patterned after the example of Christ, we are a testimony to this lost and dying world of our great salvation and the freedom it brings from sin.
THOUGHT: Am I willing to follow the example of Christ?
PRAYER: Father, may my life purpose be to do Thy will, not mine.