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

The term understudy is used in the theater for someone who learns the lines of the primary actor so that he or she can step into the role if necessary. Several famous stars began their careers as understudies. For example, Anthony Hopkins made a name for himself when he took over a role for Sir Laurence Olivier when the latter was stricken with cancer during a 1967 play at the National Theater.

In a sense, all Christians are understudies. When Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1. He commissioned us to continue in His stead. We’re to imitate Him, and to do so with such grace that others, too, can imitate Him by imitating us.

Just as Jesus was “full of grace” (John 1:14) we are to grown in the grace of our Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Our speech is to be with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). We are to sing with grace in our hearts (Colossians 3:16) . And we are to be strong in the grace that is in our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:1). We are understudies of His grace. What a role!

Grace is free, but when once you take it, you are bound forever to the Giver and bound to catch the spirit of the Giver.