Patterns

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Saturday morning, the 24th of June, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.  

 We start in the Book of Philippians 3:17-18:  

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note that those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:…”  

We need to follow the pattern. You see, Joshua followed his mentor, Moses. That was his pattern. Elisha followed the great prophet, Elijah. That was his pattern. Timothy followed the pattern of the apostle, Paul. You and I need to follow the pattern of King Jesus, our beloved Lord and Saviour. 

“Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul, the apostle said that. I looked up the Oxford Dictionary to find out the exact definition of the word “pattern.” A pattern is a model. A pattern is an example for other people to follow. You know, when I look back on my own life, when I was a very young farmer, just starting on my own in Zambia, I had two gentlemen that I was working for. They were very successful farmers. The work ethic they taught me and showed me has stayed with me all my life. They were always first on the job in the morning and they were always last to leave the job in the evening. They would make sure that all the animals on the farm were fed before they could go and have their breakfast. Their dress code was impeccable, boots shining, clean clothes on every single day. They were an example to me. They carried a notebook in their top pocket and everything that they asked me to do, they had written it down before they came to work. I did that all my farming career and I still carry notebooks with me to this day as an evangelist.  

What we believe is so important. You know folks, the world is desperate for example patterns because there is nothing you can trust these days. There is no one who knows where he is going in the world. Peter, the disciple, was asked by Jesus, “But who do you say that I am?” You will find that in Matthew 16:15-16. And what did Peter say? He said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Like never, ever before, the world is looking for someone, for people to speak the truth and who are good, solid examples. The world stands aside for a man who knows where he is going. Let's be those men and women today.

Jesus bless you and goodbye.