I've Learned!

Jesus was not imputed with obedience rather He “learned” it through His sufferings (Heb 5:8). Yes He was “a Son” but was not exempted from learning. The verb “learn” communicates two things that complement each other. It speaks about the increase in one’s intellectual knowledge, and additionally the consistent practice or doing of something. It was James who told us to be both hearers and doers of the Word (James 1:22).

Jesus as the role model in our Christian walk understands the attraction of temptations and how difficult it is to obey God (Heb 2:18; Luke 4:1-13). Notwithstanding, He was obedient and lived a sinless life. I am not saying we will live a sinless life now, but "progressive sanctification" leads us to that day. Jesus understood His mission or purpose, overcame temptation and did the Father’s will. How did He do it?

Paul hints on it in Philippians 4:11-13:
“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I implore you reading this to accept this truth: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient for you. Amen?

Using What God Created

Being treated by doctors and using medicine are just fine. It is putting faith in action.

In the story of the the man who was born blind [John 9:1-7], Jesus could have just spoken and the blind man would have received his sight. Instead, "Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the spittle; He rubbed the mud on the man's eyes..." [TEV]. Few observations here.

1. Yes, this was a paste used by Jesus. Do we have eye ointments today?

2. We don't know how much time afterwards that it took for him to be totally healed, but it took some time. Are we told to take time off work and activities after receiving treatment for an illness?

3. The man exercised his fath by getting involved in the healing process. He availed himself to Jesus. Do we not admit we are ill and avail ourselves to medical personnel for treatment?

4. The man was obedient to the Word. He did what Jesus told him to do. He went to the pool and washed himself. Do we not follow the medical personnel instructions?

5. Above all else, Jesus is the Light of the world and the man saw the Light. Wherever Light appears, darkness disappears. Is Jesus different today? Is He not the same yesterday, and today and forever?

Everything was created by God. Through His love we got Jesus Christ. Let's continued to use all the wonderful gifts and blessings He has provided and provides for us. There is nothing new under the sun. Those instructions [gifts and blessings] worked for Abraham and they can work for us...in Jesus name!