December 15, 2002
In this passage we read that God’s infinite love reached all the way down to earth in order to bring us all the way up to Heaven! Mankind could not have been lower. In Christ we cannot be higher.
CHRIST’S STEPS DOWN TO EARTH:
1. “Have this attitude in yourself which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped “ His own reputation was not important to Christ . He did not seek recognition of Himself. Doing His Father’s will was highest priority.
2. “But emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bondservant.” Christ was the servant of the Most High God. No servant could be higher.
3. “And being made in the likeness of men.” Christ came in the likeness of the most sinful creature – man.
4.
“He humbled
Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.” Death was the lowest a man could go. Death is the result of sin.
5.
“Even the death
on a cross.” Crucifixion was the
most ignominious of deaths. Every part
of the body was exposed to the eyes of the public.
Yes, God’s love reached all the way down – to you and to me!
STEPS UP: God lifted His Son up and –
1. “God - - bestowed on Him the name which is above every name.” All the names in time, on earth or heaven, could not compare to the name God gave His resurrected and ascended Son. That name is JESUS!
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.”
2. Those in heaven shall bow down to that Name.
3. Those on earth shall bow down to that Name – the name they hate!
4. Those under the earth shall bow down to the Name - those in hell. But it will be too late for them!
5. “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He is supreme above all because of His saving work on the cross.
Yes, God sent His precious Son all the way down to earth take the punishment for our sins, and then took Him all the way up to heaven, where He is preparing a place for all those who trust in Him. Praise God that I have found Him, or rather that He has found me. I trust you know Him as your personal Savior. If not, what better time to come to Him than at this Christmas season? God bless.
Love in Christ,