Though he
was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a
slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled
himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore,
God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all
other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on
earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11
Jesus was God. Jesus is still God. Coming down from Heaven must have been a humbling experience for Him. He came as a weak little baby into a world that was confusing and oppressed by strict Roman rulers. Then, there were the domineering Jewish leaders that were not accepting of Him. His world was not a pretty one—no flowers to welcome Him into the world in a sterile hospital room. No loving grandparents that were there to cuddle and coo Him in the dark and dingy stable. It was a humble beginning for Him on earth—the very place that He had created was now His workplace—for Him to minister to the people He created who had made at some point made poor decisions or been born with handicaps that prevented them from a productive life that could possibly glorify God. Is yours a productive life? Do you honor God in all that you think, say and do? Are you seeking and loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Mark 12:30)?
And we know that the Son of God has
come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And
now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with
his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1
John 5:20
When he came to the village of
Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath
and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was
handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was
written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to
bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be
released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and
that the time of the LORD's favor has come." He rolled up the scroll,
handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked
at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've
just heard has been fulfilled this very day!" Luke 4:16-21
How are you building your relationship with Jesus today?
Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, to know You is to love You…with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You are an awesome God—creator, sustainer, great physician, healer of our bodies, minds and spirits. Thank You.
Verses of
Salvation ~ I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your
amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years
gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy. ... Even though the fig trees
have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive
crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in
the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I
will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:2, 17-18
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