Image of Christ

When you think of someone who shows or lives with a Christ like spirit what comes to mind. Do we see them as a church leader or an individual anointed to preach and teach. Does humility come to mind?  The reason I ask this is today as I was reading the scriptures for the READ initiative these verses really began working within my heart and mind.

15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all 16 and ordered them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” Matthew 12:15-21 (ESV)

 

This passage is from Isaiah 42:1-3 and comes from Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant and the coming Messiah. As Christian’s we are called to become more and more like Christ in every way. Whether it is in our personal lives or our social activities we must always be aware of the witness we are to be. We see throughout scripture that Jesus fulfilled this prophecy he has brought hope to you and I today. He never argued with those he encountered when they failed to agree with Him about God’s coming kingdom and their need to repent. He did no harm to those who sought to destroy him. He loved all of them unconditionally the problem was that love was often left unreturned.

In his mercy and grace he has allowed us to live another day and is going to provide opportunities for us to show His love to a lost and dying world. Jesus never was belligerent in His mission but expressed love to those who were hurting. He instructed those who would follow Him;

 “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

We must learn to be like Christ if we want to be effective and bring glory to His name. Each day we are given a gift what we do with it will determine the fate of untold numbers of people that we ourselves may never know. Be gentle and kind in your interactions as Peter instructs us in 1 Peter 3:15-16;

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV)

 

I pray God blesses every place your shadow falls today may he bring healing through your touch and presence into the lives of those you meet. Live, Laugh and Love as you walk in the light of God’s Word.