208. God’s Character Fleshed Out
Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 422b–423c.
Christ came to be one with humanity, and at the same time to reveal our heavenly Father…
Christ was physically like us. He had the same physical needs as we all do. Mentally He faced the same “temptations and trials” that we all do. But here lies the difference, He demonstrated God’s character by overcoming those difficulties, and by meeting our needs by a life of service.
Christ “alone” could reveal God’s character. He had been with God since time began and was the exact visible reproduction of the invisible God.
And what does God look like?
Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others,.. constantly engaged in service…
The work that Jehovah appointed to Christ, the thing that would reveal God most clearly was to,
- Bring good news to the poor and meek,
- Heal broken hearts,
- Proclaim freedom for captives,
- Open blind eyes,
- Announce God’s favour,
- Comfort the mourners,
- Guide us out of darkness and death into peace.
In His teaching, Jesus asks us to act like His, and our, Father which is to,
- Love our enemies. Bless them. Do them good. Pray for them.
- Be kind to the thankless and evil
- Be merciful.
It is living like this that we can actually become children of God. We can flesh out God’s character alongside Jesus.
