Mimicking His Movements
People are wired differently and thus learn differently. I am one who is a better visual or experiential learner. I don’t mind reading the instruction manual, but do better with photos or a YouTube video. I was reminded of this recently on a ski trip with friends to Utah. The snow was beautiful and I had a blast. I’ve been skiing for years, but had the opportunity to spend time with an instructor who helped me see the bad habits I’d developed over the years, and I truly re-learned how to ski.
He would explain techniques to me verbally and I would try to implement them, but it really clicked when he would ski in front of me and I would follow every turn in an effort to mimic his movement. What a difference it made. While skiing is a fun sport, it is not theologically significant. However, this experience did illustrate a critically important theological concept.
The incarnation of Christ defines Jesus coming to earth as a man. He did not give up His deity, but simultaneously fully became a human. This act was part of His rescue mission to reconcile humanity in relationship with God. He took on flesh and shed His blood so that atonement for our sin could be paid and the justified wrath of God could be absorbed.
In so doing, He experienced our infirmities and pain. He demonstrated a life of prayer and obedience to the Father. Hebrews 4:15 informs us that He is able to sympathise with us. Romans 15:17 teaches us His service as our High Priest. Hebrews 5:1-8 teaches us of His modeling of prayer and obedience to God. He made a way and He showed us the way in which to live.
Life can be hard, but it is much more manageable when we recognize that we have an instructor of sorts that we can follow and mimic. This should motivate me to study His life more to learn how He lived and loved. It should motivate me to walk in prayer daily to allow the Spirit to guide and show me how to respond. The bottom line, you have hope and you are not alone! Walk in His steps and watch how things can quickly change.
