We are gonna take a few days and process Ephesians 5. Right off the bat this chapter hits you with truth.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;” (Eph 5:1)
The word followers in the Greek Concordance (G3402) points to being Imitators (Imitators means to mimic). One of the things that just sets me on fire is this. Jesus didn’t leave us alone! Jesus didn’t say now someday I will come back and in the meantime, be powerless, miserable and aimless until you die. No, in fact it’s quite the opposite of this. Jesus not only redeemed us in relationship but also included us in His plan of salvation to the lost. By commissioning us he gave us the opportunity to walk in His grace and point the world to the One we love.
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” (Eph 5:2)
So, ultimately, what and who do we get to imitate? LOVE AND JESUS.
Just to exercise ourselves a little bit, let's put this on (imitate).
How can I love like Jesus?
How can I care for people like Jesus?
How can I speak like Jesus?
How can I give like Jesus?
How can I be like Jesus to my family?
How can I be like Jesus at my job?
How can I be like Jesus to my brothers and sisters in Christ?
How can I be like Jesus to those who hate me?
How can I be like Jesus to those who are my enemies?
One last thought for the day. The word Love in Ephesians 5:2 in the Concordance (G26) means Agape. Agape means: love, that is, affection or benevolence; a love feast, charity, dear, love. Agape isn’t shallow, agape love is deep with affection and communion. Agape love Is the kind of love you feel when you share a meal with your friends and you rejoice because God has given you a deep true family to commune with. Jesus did this very thing with His disciples.
In closing, In communion in Christ, we can imitate God and we can love like Jesus. This is our right and responsibility as sons and daughters and honors the sacrifice Jesus made for us to bring us in.
By Andy Burkett