12/28/2025
O' To Be Like Jesus...
Is it a statement? ...or is it a question?
Either way, I don't know about you, but this is very convicting to me. Seeking to be like Jesus, is seeking to live a life of perfection. Sadly, I miss that mark on a regular basis.
With that, though I am surely glad that Lord saved me, I am even doubly blessed that God "...is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Because, by my own might, and in my own power, I would have surely mess things up a long time ago!
So, "O' To Be Like Jesus..."
Some have said that way back in 1897, Thomas O. Chisholm revived this thought when he wrote the hymn "O' To Be Like Thee! Blessed Redeemer"; but in the present-day Church, are we truly revived in this aim? ...or is our mind dim, and our focus blurred?
Jesus said, "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Mark 16:17)
Are we like Jesus? ...or do we tend to favor certain status-quo individuals?
Jesus said to a rich young ruler, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." When the young man heard His words, "he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." (Matthew 19:21-22)
Are we like Jesus? ...or do we rely too much on man's abilities instead of God's anointing?
Jesus said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:18-19)
Are we like Jesus? ...or is our religion shallow; Neglecting the path of true ministry?
Jesus said, "...whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Are we like Jesus? ...or have we forgotten the true mission? ...the true call?
Jesus declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)
And the Word in Mark 16:20 reveals, "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
Are we like Jesus?
Most gracious Heavenly Father, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, please fill up Your Church with Your Holy presence. Teach us, Overflow us, and Empower us to accomplish your complete will; To be more like Jesus Christ; To be about the Father's business of authentic ministry; And, with all our lives, help us to worship you daily in Spirit and in Truth... Amen!
