Philippians 2:7-8 (NIV)
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Who would do such a thing? Who would sacrifice themselves in a horrible way in place of another? You would have to be either crazy or divine. Which do you think it was?
Paul tells us about what steps Jesus took and how he humbled Himself to save us from our sins. He entered this world as a man, fully human, so he could experience all that we face to understand and set an example. He faced the most gruesome kind of death offering Himself as an atoning sacrifice for the sins we have and will commit. Incomprehensible!
Why would he do such a thing? John 3:16 says (NIV)16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. He did all that because He loves you and He loves you more than you can grasp. He loves you enough to give up everything for you! He did this so that you and I will not perish but have eternal life. Let that sink in for a moment. He gave Himself up for us. How will we live in response to that? With so much love poured into you, what will be our next steps? Will you look out for others? Jesus does not expect you to die on a cross but He does expect you to care for other people. He does want you to be unselfish. He does want you to shine His light and share His love. No greater love has anyone that this, that He would lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). He is our friend and so much more. I don’t think I could lay down my life for another but it sure makes me wonder who I am the Jesus would lay down His life for me. We are all that special.
Knowing that you are that special, go out today and live a blessing life. Be a blessing to others. Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous. Smile at others. Show the world what it means to follow a Risen Lord! Shine His light into the dark places. Share the love given to you!
Lord God, thank You for Your gift of love. We don’t deserve it but You give it anyway. Help us not to keep it for ourselves but to freely share Your love with all we meet. Help us to love the difficult people. May we see them through Your eyes and reflect Your face to them. In Jesus name we pray! Amen!
And Can it be: http://www.hymnary.org/text/and_can_it_be_that_i_should_gain