John 5:19-20 -- So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
Jesus, knowing the religious authorities sought to kill Him now, presses forward with a deep explanation of His relationship with God the Father. I notice He begins very much like He did with Nicodemus, "Truly, Truly" or in the Greek, "Amen, Amen". It was an authoritative way to open with.
Something that jumped out to me was Jesus says He only does what He "SEES" the Father doing. He goes on to say the Father loves Him and "SHOWS" Him all He's doing. Jesus was mimicking or walking as His Father walked if you will. (1 John 2:6).
Jesus wasn't here on some orders from General God, carrying out a cold surgical strike. NO! He was imitating His Father. What His Father did, He did. It only takes obedience to follow orders. You can absolutely hate the person giving the orders and still follow them. Don't hate people though! Now, to willingly imitate someone, that requires love, submission, a choice. To walk and act like someone you must watch them closely. Be invested in them. Spend time with them.
Ephesians 5:1-2 -- Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Christian, are you an imitator of God? Do you imitate Him in your daily life or just on Sundays?
If you want to know how to imitate God, then go right to Jesus! Do it today. Don't put it off until later, because there is no promise of later, but you are blessed with your right now.
There's so much more that could be delved into, but this is where the journey went today. I pray you would open your Bible and dig into the life of Jesus. All four of the Gospels, just take them in. Watch and listen to Jesus. His words, His actions. His every move.
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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