Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5.1-2)

It is amusing and moving when we see our children imitate us. Our mannerisms communicated to the next generation through loving imitation. A gesture. A speech pattern. A gait in our walk. Even more than that is when we see them pick up our modeling for them in worship. A raised hand in worship. A bowed head in prayer. A righteous rhythm in their walk.

We are imitating our Father and we find our best model for that in Christ our brother. Jesus has shown us how best we can walk in love. In the words of the Gospel accounts, in the reflections of the early church letters, in the prophesies of old, we find the picture of Jesus. Jesus, our all in all. Jesus our everything. Jesus who models His perfect love for the Father in His ultimate sacrifice for us.

Jesus’ offering of His sinless life gives us a taste of what our lives can be. Not that he did not face opposition or difficulty, but that he pleased the Father. Jesus’ sacrifice of His death on the cross gives us the fullest image of God's love for Himself and for us. We have before us the perfect offering and sacrifice, given on our behalf, in love to the Father. We now have the invitation and the timeless model to come before God in a way that is fully pleasing to Him: lives that are a fragrant aroma rising up to Him from our imitation of Jesus' offering and sacrifice.

Jesus, thank you for showing me how to imitate your great love. Give me wisdom in how I can live a life of sincere offering and selfless sacrifice for your glory and pleasure.