Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, have mercy. Cleanse me. Still my mind. Help me to listen as you speak.
Long before medieval clergyman Thomas à Kempis wrote his devotional classic The Imitation of Christ, the apostle Paul explored what ‘imitation’ implied.
Yesterday we read Paul’s words about Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice inspiring and informing the way we should live our lives. Today’s passage describes Paul’s complete turnaround from Pharisee to Jesus-follower. Paul used to take his cues from the Law of Moses. Now his sole focus is ‘to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death’ (verse 10). For Paul, faith consists of ‘knowing’ and ‘becoming like’ Jesus, even and especially in the context of suffering. Imitation is not a game.
Let’s not forget that as he writes, Paul is in chains – without running water or a chance to appeal to the Human Rights Act. For him, the imitation of Christ, who suffered and died, is not metaphorical but real, so much so that imitation becomes identification. Paul would rather be with Jesus in this living hell, than away from him in comfort.
Lord, you know what it’s like to suffer and die – and to triumph. In these difficult times, calm my fears as I look to you.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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