All that the Lord Jesus did was... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Be imitators of God as dear children. 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 5:1.2.

All that the Lord Jesus did was done to perfection and voluntarily. Let us think of God's counsel that centred in Him before the foundation of the world, or the Lord's pathway on this earth and His work at the cross - all was surrounded by the fragrance of His dedication. It was "food" for Him to carry out His Father's will. And His life was not taken from Him, He yielded it Himself out of love (cf. John 4:34; 10:17.18).

Let us consider how, now in glory, He serves His own with blessing and will reward them in the future. This all flows from His readiness to serve God for ever for their sake.

Can we wonder then, if God wishes to see something of the virtues of His beloved Son in His children? Even in Old Testament times, when people lived under the commandment, "You shall love the Lord your God " (Deuteronomy 6:5), God gave them plenty of opportunities to show such love actively.

"When anyone brings an offering" was the invitation in Leviticus chs. 1-3 for voluntary sacrifices that impressively testify to the fragrance of the Lord Jesus' devotion to His Father and His work. The voluntary aspect of the gift was not only reflected in the sacrifice itself, it was the motive in the offerer's heart that God sought. How much more should we, His children today, be called upon to act similarly!

Today's reading: Joshua 23:1-13 · 1 Corinthians 15:35-50