Read
Philippians 2:1-11.
In verse 8, the
writer describes how Jesus became “obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
This reminds me of a classic quote from Dietrich Bonhoffer in his book “The
Cost of Discipleship.” He writes: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come
and die.” Lent reminds each of us that we are to take up our crosses daily as we
follow Jesus on this journey. Following Jesus always brings us face-to-face
with a cross.
Glory to God for His selfless love! To be reminded in verse 6 that Jesus did not "consider [his] equality with God something to be used to his own advantage" really caught me this morning. Our human pridefulness causes us to want use positions of power as something to hold over people's heads, to try and create a hierarchical structure, and to show dominance over others. Jesus did the exact opposite even though he had all the authority to do so. "He humbled himself" and died a criminal's death for us sinners, who foolishly try to create a name for ourselves out of nothing. Wow. Thank you, Jesus for this act of selfless love.
ReplyDelete"Lent reminds each of us that we are to take up our crosses daily as we follow Jesus on this journey. Following Jesus always brings us face-to-face with a cross."
ReplyDeleteWhen I am walking through valleys in life, and want to ask "why me??"...this is the reason why. I may not always want it to be the reason - who am I kidding, I probably don't ever WANT it to be the reason. Still, knowing that it is the reason, that there is a purpose for the pain and struggle and tears, and that I am not alone and there will be a reward in heaven someday, is what allows me to go on.
Sometimes I can dance in the rain...and sometimes all I can do is take just one more step. But either way...my God is with me.