For Me!

For Me!

And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Philippians 2:8 AMPC

The easiest way to understand today's extract is to understand where Jesus was coming from before the words here. He was called the Son of God - full of glory, one with God, part of the Trinity. He hated sin, just like his Father, but he took on the very nature and form of the ones He came to help.He wanted to look like them, walk in their shoes, experience their humanity so He could appropriately cure the disease of sin once and for all. He could have applied His power from heaven, made a law and with it, cure sin permanently, but He had to follow His own rules, so He could be found blameless and righteous.

The template of the old testament was followed precisely: blood was offered to deal with sin, and a sacrificial lamb, without spot or blemish was used. The law says anyone hung on a tree was cursed, and the One who brings God's blessings down to man had to walk that path so that we all could avoid the curse and get the blessing. Someone had to pay the price; we should have, but we couldn't. Now, Jesus has paid, and He calls me to respond to his sacrifice and accept Him as both Lord and Saviour. We note the part about obedience; to God's plan. Could we ever imagine that God could do this to His Son?

This season reminds us of the greatest gift given, and the gift that keeps giving. If God viewed sin as so evil that the only acceptable sacrifice was the blood of His Son, we had better not take it for granted. If God turned His eyes away from His Son whilst He bore sin, how do we ever think we can escape if we toy with sin? The price has been paid, and the prize of eternal life offered full and free. Would you take hold of it? His time of favour is here.