Wanted: Role Models!

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34)

Of the seven statements of the Son of God on the cross, three of them were prayers. At the beginning, in the middle and at the end He prayed!

Samson, shortly before his death, used his great power, given to him by God, one last time to take revenge on his enemies. The Son of God, however, showed the power of His love by praying for the forgiveness of His enemies. When man’s sin reached its peak, the Savior’s love shone forth most brightly! Paul writes, “Love… is not irritable… [it] endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

The Master had told his disciples, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt. 5:44). Under the most difficult circumstances He implemented what He Himself had preached—for He not only taught the truth, but He lived it out constantly (see Acts 1:1). John writes, “Grace and truth subsists through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 JND).

Stephen obviously took the example of his Lord to heart. Only a few seconds before he collapsed and died un- der the stones thrown by the Jews, he prayed that this sin would not be attributed to them (see Acts 7:60). But there was this difference to the prayer of his Master—

Stephen prayed for himself first (see Acts 7:59) and only afterwards for his enemies. With the Lord Jesus it was the other way round. “That in everything he might be preeminent” (Col. 1:18)!

Do you pray for people who insult you or openly attack you? In what ways do you strive to become more like the Lord Jesus in this respect, and thereby be an example to others? Solomon writes, “Draw me after you; let us run” (Sol. 1:4). Words teach—role models inspire!

J.P.S.