Page 25 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Wednesday December 27 - Truly human
He made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant...
Philippians 2:7
This verse describes the humility of Jesus, and we can learn from it. This is not an inferiority complex, where Jesus ‘puts himself down’, but rather an intention to lift others up. An inferiority complex makes you feel uncomfortably bad about yourself, and can lead to avoiding others or even ‘pulling others down’, so that we don’t feel so bad by comparison. Humility, on the other hand, wants to serve others so that they can flourish. Jesus’ humanity was expressed in his humility. We see this very clearly when Jesus actually took on the servant’s role and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5). Although this menial and unpleasant task had not been done, none of the disciples had felt it was their job. Maybe they felt it was beneath their dignity? They were shocked when their master got down on his knees to attend to it – but Jesus gave them a powerfully memorable lesson in life!
Being a servant is not an aspirational role in today’s culture. However, we admire a life lived in the service of others. The late Queen Elizabeth II dedicated herself to serve her people all her life long, and was lauded for her perseverance and devotion to duty. She exemplified for many a life of royalty in service, and she professed to follow the example of her Saviour Jesus Christ. We too can be fully human as we serve others.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your example of humble service. Please help me to be more like you. Amen.
Thursday December 28 - Humility through suffering He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a
cross! Philippians 2:8
Yesterday we looked at how Jesus’ humility was expressed in service. Today we see how Jesus lived humbly through obedience. Like service, obedience is another word that has gone out of fashion. Obedience has probably never been a really star- studded, attractive quality. The Philippian church had started with a bang when Paul and Silas were clapped in prison for preaching the gospel of salvation, and an earthquake from God broke open the jail! The Philippians definitely appreciated deliverance and signs and wonders! Now Paul is in prison himself, with no end in sight. How could God be glorified in this? Paul points to Jesus bringing glory to God through his obedience, even to death! Following Jesus obediently may well involve suffering and might even end in death. If Jesus humbled himself to that degree as a way of life, then it might also be the way for his followers. If you are suffering as you read this, stay obedient to Jesus and you can glorify him in a special way.
Paul writes that Jesus ‘humbled himself even to death on a cross’. Crucifixion was not only the most painful (literally ‘excruciating’) form of execution, but it was also seen as a curse – despicable and shameful. Jesus plumbed the very depths of suffering in his obedience to God on our behalf. He will give grace to those who are suffering now in obedience to him.
Lord I pray for those who are suffering for you. Please give them your grace and strength today. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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