August 4: COUNTERPARTS IN THE LIFE OF JESUS

…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death… Philippians 3:10

Beloved, we are to take the initiative toward knowing Christ. Someone who believes that there are no coincidences in life has already begun to open his or her heart to the reality of the sovereignty of God. Things do not just happen at random. Understanding this imparts a freedom that sparks a spontaneous spiritual vitality; freedom from artificial divisions—or “compartmentalizing”—each encounter throughout the course of a day. This in turn ushers in a sweet awareness when others are receptive to the truths of God.

This will lead to the use of words in reaching out to souls, but this awareness will first mold the believer’s demeanor into one of gentle and good-humored Christlikeness. This is the work of the Holy Spirit issuing a silent invitation – a welcoming invitation that centers upon getting to know the real Jesus. In His amazing patience, He has been willing to be misunderstood so that when the light of truth comes into view, the contrast is so great that the resulting “Aha!” moment becomes a pivotal point.

One of the main distinguishers of false religion is the glorification of good works, whereas the true saint of God brings glory to Jesus through good works. One is “bait” for drawing people toward “good causes” but the other glorifies the Lord Jesus, drawing others directly toward Him. With that essential vertical relationship intact, our every action has a counterpart in the life of Jesus, just as Jesus reckoned into His actions His relationship with His heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit communicated this through John when he penned these words: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself . . . poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (John 13:3-5a)

Whatever you are engaged in, even what you eat and drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. (Colossians 3:23) This is possible through the knowledge of Christ; and not only “possible” but the natural result of seeking the Lord who says, “I will be found by you…when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:14,13)  

“Let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. for in these I delight.” Says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24