Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).
The latter part of our opening verse, referring to Jesus, says, as He is, so are we in this world. If we’re as He is, then it’s important to find out from the Word who Jesus is; how did He live when He walked the earth? The Bible tells us that He healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out devils. Acts 10:38 says,
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” His life was an unending stream of the miraculous.
He walked on water. He talked to deaf ears, and they were unstopped. He spoke to blind eyes and they opened. He talked to lame legs, and they were restored. He was such a marvel. At His word, even maimed limbs grew back. When He hushed the raging tempest, His disciples exclaimed in awe, “What manner of man is this! For he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him” (Luke 8:25).
Now, to think that He did all these as a man, having laid His glory aside (Philippians 2:7), beats the imagination. The glorious manifestations of the supernatural in His life happened before He went to the cross. It was after His resurrection that He became the glorified Christ (1 Peter 1:21). This shows who we are, and what we can do today as new creations in Christ Jesus. The image of the glorified Christ we see in the Word is actually our reflection as new creations in Christ.
So, when you read, “as he is, so are we in this world,” you ought to say, “Blessed be God, as Jesus is, with all His glory, authority, and power, so am I today!” Hallelujah. Meditate on this truth. Consciously think, talk, walk, and act like Jesus. Like Him, boldly proclaim the Word to circumstances and situations and there’ll be a change. Heal the sick; cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead! Bless and touch others with the love of God as Jesus did, for you’re like Him.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me all authority in heaven and on earth to walk in dominion and reign gloriously over circumstances. Thank you for making me the effulgence of your glory. I walk in your wisdom, and triumphantly fulfil your perfect will, manifesting your virtues and perfections, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
further study
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 4:1-13
Deuteronomy 18-21
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Matthew 24:34-44
Exodus 30
Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 2:9; John 17:22