Just like dad

‘John is the one to whom you sent your messengers, and he spoke on behalf of the truth. It is not that I must have a human witness; I say this only in order that you may be saved. John was like a lamp, burning and shining, and you were willing for a while to enjoy his light. But I have a witness on my behalf which is even greater than the witness that John gave: what I do, that is, the deeds my Father gave me to do, these speak on my behalf and show that the Father has sent me.’ (verses 33-36)

Read John 5:30-47

A friend was telling me about his 18-month-old daughter. ‘We have to be so careful, because she copies everything we do. Most of the time it’s not a problem’, he said, ‘but I got a shock this morning when she refused to eat her breakfast until we gave her a newspaper to read!’

How readily and naturally children mimic their parents. How quickly they grow to be like mum and dad. Jesus grew up to be exactly like his Father. In fact he could safely say, ‘Watch everything I do. Listen to everything I say. Look into my heart. This is how God lives and loves.’

What does God see when he looks at your life? Does he see his child growing up to be more and more like him every day? Or are you spending so much time apart from him that you are starting to look like someone else? Thankfully God offers us his forgiveness and to learn from him again and again.

My Father, I confess that I have picked up some habits that aren’t from you. Help me to spend time with you, that I will look more like you every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Linda Macqueen, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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