He Humbled Himself...(Part I)

"For the Christian, humility is absolutely indispensable. Without it there can be no self-knowledge, no repentance, no faith and no salvation."  - Aiden Wilson Tozer

I have noticed a quality characteristic that is lacking today in many people who hold positions of responsibility and trust. And perhaps, we don't hear about it that much anymore because our perception of what it is has become distorted and corrupted.

I'm speaking about "humility," or a modest view of one's own importance; otherwise known as humbleness. When it comes to examples of humility, many may refer to certain celebrities, sports stars, and others as their point of reference.

I call your attention to "humility" in its truest manifestation. The humiliation of Christ (Philippians 2:6-8), is the marvel of all time. One cannot even begin to describe the love, and driving force of this astonishing humiliation.

It would be quite correct to say that it is a matter of intense amazement to all God-created, intelligent, understanding. The thought that God, in his infinite wisdom and grace, gave His only Son to die for our wretched and ruined world is mind-boggling (John 3:16).

The precious stone of heaven, the tenderest, sweetest love of the Father was the gift of sacrifice to save fallen man. That priceless offering is the appraisal that God places on the salvation of a man or woman. Not one of us can overvalue his own salvation. (Matthew 16:26; Psalm 49:7-8).

Though we can not comprehend the grandeur, range, and depth of the humiliation of Christ, still, it benefits us to investigate and learn everything we can of what He has done for us. Before His incarnation He was in the form of God (John 1;1; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3).

Though Christ was equal with God (John 10:30), He never desired to appear in the glory of the Godhead while living among men. However, when He did demonstrate divine power it was only to accomplish a purpose.

Christ always put aside the dignity and majesty of His Heavenly character, except for the singular event of His transfiguration (Matthew 17:2-5; 2 Peter 1:16-18). Prior to His incarnation He had the worship and adoration of all the Heavenly hosts.

Now, being exalted and glorified, Christ has the same worship, honor, and glory as He did before His incarnation. That glory being the glory of the Father, which is both, difficult to reach, and beyond mere words.

Unquestionably, there was no limit to what Christ would do to save our guilty souls. Join me next week for He Humbled Himself (Part II), when we will conclude our message about the humiliation of God's beloved Son.

Scripture: John 3:30; Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6; Philippians 2:3; Psalm 25:9;

Prayer: Dear God, help me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You and not by pride or self-sufficiency. Amen.

May God always bless you,

Judith