July 7, 2016
“When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” Philippians 2:6-8 Message
It is impossible to grasp just how much Jesus surrendered of himself to find you. Actually, he knew where you were .. what’ve you done .. and why. He didn’t just become like you .. He actually became lower than you. There was nothing for him to cling to .. point to .. or claim any privilege. His disciples longed for what they saw: a perfect relationship with his heavenly Father .. unbroken fellowship .. whole love on display. His enemies hated him for what they saw: a life loved by God .. lived for others .. loving the unlovable .. unwanted .. anyone broken. There was only one way for Jesus to love you to the farthest ends of yourself: a cross. He didn’t fight for you. He died for you. That moment forever marks your life. The Son of God became a slave so He could free you. The Son of God laid aside his God-clothes and put yours on. The Son of God became the worst of everything found inside you. He hasn’t left you to find your own way. His Spirit is teaching you how to love the life He is living in you. He knows about frustration .. anxiety .. doubt .. worry .. anger .. fear .. and all the combinations from living in this broken world. He wore them in your place so you can trust Him to know the way ahead. When God got undressed … He sure fooled us. You can trust Him for this day .. and the next. It only takes a moment …
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Son-Fashioned lives (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
