June 09, 2019: SOAP #3475:  Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Observation:   Chapter five continues the thought about our being raised with Christ and what that means in putting off some things and putting on others.  Although the thought is not finished, we have here an “all inclusive” thought.  What does it mean, this “putting off” and “putting on?”  Basically, it means that we become imitators of God.

We are His children, His dearly loved children.  He takes joy in us.  And as a little child tries to imitate their parents, so we should set about imitating our Heavenly Father.  No one has done it better than Jesus!

Application:   I often wondered why all the scriptures about the tabernacle in Exodus 25-30 are repeated in Exodus 36-39.  It is because the tabernacle was central to what God was doing in Israel.  It was a dwelling for God to live among them.  This was the reason for coming out of Egypt and entering the Promised Land.

I used to wonder why there are four gospels, three which are very similar?  They are NOT the scriptures of Jesus in heaven; they ARE the scriptures of Jesus on earth.  And on earth is where I am living.  I need to know how to live here.  I need to know how to face temptations and trials here.  I need an example of how to live here.  Living like Jesus is central to what God is doing in Leon today.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my daily life even as He did Jesus is the key for Leon to live the Christ-life God desires.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, as earthly parents take joy in their children imitating them, may you take joy in me as the Holy Spirit helps me to imitate you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!