Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
Introduction
Precious one, it is another glorious opportunity to reflect through the Word of God. We are considering the theme, "Christ, our example."
We say, leadership by example. Leading by example is a leadership style where the leader models the behaviour s/he wants to see in followers. Following a leader is about replicating exactly what the leader actively demonstrates in excellence.
As Christians, we must be conscious of the fact that Jesus Christ is the only one that we aspire to be wholly like. The Christian, therefore must not, ought not, and can not justify any behaviour because a prophet, a patriarch, or a prominent person in history or current has done. Christ, our example means, Jesus Christ is the only standard of our measurement and no other.
Exegesis
In the book of Genesis, we read about the story of Noah and the great flood. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah and all living creatures, symbolized by the rainbow. This covenant is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and promise to protect and sustain his creation.
In this story, we see the example of God's mercy and love for all of creation, a love that we are called to emulate in our own lives.
We are reminded of the example of Christ's covenant of love and compassion for all people. We also glean the importance of extending that love to all those around us, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Again, the covenant between God and Noah is a promise symbolized by the rainbow, signifying God's faithfulness and everlasting love for His creation. The covenant between Christ and the Christian is symbolized by His body and blood, signifying God's faithfulness and His everlasting salvation.
In the first epistle of Peter, we are presented with the powerful image of Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Peter reminds us that Christ suffered for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God.
This act of selflessness and love serves as the ultimate example of Christ's unwavering commitment to his mission and his unending love for humanity. His death and resurrection not only offer salvation but also serve as an example of selflessness and obedience to God's will, even unto death.
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this sacrificial love in our own lives, to be willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of others, and to live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice.
The Gospel of Mark presents us with the account of Jesus' baptism and his subsequent time in the wilderness. At his baptism, we witness the example of Christ's obedience to the will of the Father, as he humbly submits himself to John's baptism.
Mark gives the indication that, after the baptism experience, we see Christ's time in the wilderness, where he undergoes temptation and testing. Through these experiences, Christ sets an example for us in obedience to God's will and resilience in the face of adversity.
As followers of Christ, we are called to model this same obedience and resilience in our own lives, trusting in God's plan for us and persevering through the trials and temptations that we encounter.
As we delve deeper into these passages, we uncover valuable lessons that Christ exemplified for us to follow:
1. Obedience to God's Will: Christ's unwavering obedience to God's will, even in the face of adversity, serves as a beacon for us. In our journey, let us seek guidance from His example and align our lives with the divine purpose God has for each one of us.
In times of trials, remember what the Psalmist says, "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around." (Psalms 3:5-6).
Because our God has promised, "I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." (Jeremiah 29:10-12)
2. Selflessness and Sacrifice: Christ's sacrificial love demonstrates the highest form of selflessness. Let us emulate His compassion and willingness to lay down our lives for the sake of others, embodying the love of Christ in our interactions with one another.
Christ overcame selfishness, so you are called to "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7).
3. Resilience in Temptation: Just as Christ faced temptation in the wilderness, we too encounter trials in our lives. Yet, through His example, we learn to rely on the power of God's Word to overcome temptation and remain steadfast in our faith.
Paul shows us the way to do it, "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13). We are to follow the example of Christ to be resilient at the face of temptation.
4. Covenantal Faithfulness: Just as God established a covenant with Noah, Christ inaugurated a new covenant through His death and resurrection, communion is the sign of remembrance.
Let us remain faithful to this covenant, living our lives following the teachings of Christ and spreading His message of love and redemption to all. As we emulate the Christ-kind of life, we also become an example of the covenant faithfulness to others.
If something prevents you from dining at the Lord's holy table today, then you are being faithful to the covenant of Christ's example. The Bible says, "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died." (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).
Conclusion
As we leave this gathering today, let us remember the powerful example of Christ that has been set before us. Let us be inspired by His love, sacrifice, and obedience, and let us seek to emulate these qualities in our own lives. May we be instruments of God's peace, love, and reconciliation in the world especially during Presidential elections, reflecting the example of Christ in all that we do.
As we strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, may we be faithful ambassadors of His grace, and may our lives reflect the transformative power of His example.
May we go forth with renewed hearts and minds, empowered to live out the example of Christ in every aspect of our lives.
Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
