Our Substitute and Our Example

Read 2 Kings 14

Read Philippians 2

Whenever we talk about how we must imitate Christ, follow his example, life like him, talk like him, show compassion like him, we must always remember that Christ is more than our example. If he were only our example, then we would be lost for sure. If he were only our example, then we would have wonderful passages like "deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow me," but we have would have no power to live it.

No, he is more than our example. He is also our substitute. He stepped into our sandals and lived the holy, perfect life that we were unable and unwilling to live. And then he laid down on the rough wood of our cross to suffer our hell. In doing this he made full atonement for us. He gives us free and full forgiveness. He gives us new life. He gives us peace that passes understanding. As baptized and believing children of God, we rejoice that he is our Savior, our substitute.

And in that joy and peace and strength we then seek to live as he did. We are encouraged by Paul to have the same servant attitude, the same desire for peace with those around us, the same humility, the same joy to serve the Father. Willingly, still rejoicing that Jesus is our substitute, we follow our example, Jesus, with grumbling or coercion.

And lest we become proud in our "good work," and forget once again to be humble, Paul reminds us to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. We live it out thankful for the gift, mindful of our many sins and shortcomings, and casting ourselves solely on the mercy of God. And we give credit to God for whatever truly good things we do, for he is working in us both to will and to do good (v. 13). That is, to actually have the desire and to actually follow through.

Since in this chapter Paul both encourages us to follow Christ's example and also launches into a marvelous, beauteous description of the suffering and subsequent exaltation of Jesus, let us also always remember that he is our substitute and our example. Let us always rejoice that salvation is ours as a free gift, and then in this new life given to us to live remember our joy and privilege to be obedient, humble, and compassionate!

May God strengthen you in that resolve until Christ returns and every knee bends in his honor, and ever tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord!

Ask Yourself:

What tasks has God given to me to do that I am unwilling to do?

What tasks am I unable to do because of sinfulness and human weakness?

What do I do with my guilt when I fall short? Where do I go for strength to do better?

Pray:

"Dear Lord Jesus, place firmly in our minds and hearts both who You are and what You are so that we may proclaim Your grace and image to others. Amen." (TLSB p. 2035).

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!