Saturday, December 30th 2023
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him (John 1:18).
The word “declared” in our opening verse originates from the Greek term “exegeomai,” signifying not just a mere declaration but the act of rehearsing or unfolding something. In essence, Jesus rehearsed divinity to us. He came to reveal God in a way we could relate with and understand.
The life of Jesus was a living testament, a vivid portrayal of the Kingdom’s principles and the divine way of living. This profound truth is why the Bible instructs us to follow in His footsteps, for He’s given us an example to emulate.
1 Peter 2:21 underscores this beautifully: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” Jesus came to show us the Father’s love, character and will. He said in John 14:9, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…”; a claim only the One who was God in the flesh could make.
Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us….” The term “followers” translates from the Greek word “mimetes,” denoting not merely followers but imitators, those who copy another. We’re called to be imitators of God, but how can we imitate God when we haven’t seen Him?
Jesus made it possible! He came to reveal God’s nature and His love for us. God loves us; we know because we see from the Scriptures how Jesus was moved by love and compassion. Jesus in action was God at work.
Now we can manifest the Father’s love, His righteousness, mercy, compassion and grace because that’s what Jesus did when He walked the earth. We have the life of Christ in us, and His love is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). The Apostle Paul tells us, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2 NKJV).
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for revealing your nature and your love to us through the Lord Jesus. I follow in His steps and imitate Him in my daily life, loving as He loved, walking as He walked and thinking as He thought. Your love shines through me as a testament to your character and nature in me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
|| John 14:9
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father? ||
|| 1 John 3:16
Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. ||
|| Ephesians 5:1-2 AMPC
THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 2 And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. ||
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
Revelation 21 & Malachi 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan=>
Acts 5:12-23 & Ezra 9-10
Extract From Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional
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