A Step in the Right Direction
Today’s 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
Has anyone ever told you, “That’s a step in the right direction”? It’s a way of saying that you are headed in the right path, that you are making progress, and that you are going forward and not backwards. Our sinful nature tends to give pushback, reject, and go against what is right. When we decide to follow the Lord Jesus in every area of our life, it is then and only then that we are taking the right steps in the right direction. Let us see how the Lord Jesus is the model Example for every area of our life.
We see Jesus, Who is sinless.
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” Jesus is our model Example for our Christian life because He is the perfect and sinless Son of God. As God, He veiled Himself in human flesh, yet was without sin. He was tempted like us in all points, yet without sin. When our circumstances are difficult and the people around us discourage us, it is easy for us to falter by complaining, being critical, or being caustic with our words. Our Lord Jesus did none of those things. When He needed to say something, He said it directly to His adversaries. When He chose not to speak, He would not bring Himself to the level of His critics by assaulting them with harsh and caustic words. We cannot be sinless, but we can avoid falling into sinful tendencies.
We see Jesus, Who suffered.
“Christ suffered for us…Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” Make no bones about the fact that Jesus suffered. He was beaten, He was flogged, He was spat upon, He was railed on and called very nasty things, He was vilified, He had his hands and feet pierced by large nails, He had a crown made of thorns thrust onto His head, He had a spear pierced in His side, and much more. Jesus experienced insatiable thirst, unbelievable pain, inhumane punishment, and a slow, torturous death. He suffered over several hours. He suffered indignity and shame. He suffered for you and me!
We see Jesus, our Substitute.
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Jesus became the only acceptable Substitute for every sinner. He was the Just dying for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. He was the perfect Substitute. He was a propitious Substitute. He was the Scapegoat for every sinner. His shed blood dealt with our sins completely and thoroughly. He gave His all so that every sinner could have his sins paid in full.
We see Jesus and our steps.
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” Jesus left us the supreme example for us to follow. When we take our suffering as gift from God, when we determine that we are willing to suffer for the faith, when we take a stand for truth and God’s Word, and when we restrain our tongue from anything evil coming out, then we are taking the right steps in the right direction. Study and follow Jesus’ example. When the going gets tough, look to Jesus’ example. When you are criticized, look to Jesus’ example.
Are you going in the right direction? A step in the right direction is following in His steps.
Have an unwavering God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 16-18