SUNDAY September 8, 2024

The Death of the Cross

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:8

Jesus did not have to take the body of a man, but He wanted to relate to us––to our everyday trials and struggles. He proved His love for us by His actions. He humbled Himself and, being obedient to His Father’s will, died on the Cross for the sins of the world. Listen to His struggle as He prayed:

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT).

In His Servanthood to Mankind, the cost was high––it cost Him His life. Like Christ, can you be a servant? You may not have to give your life for someone, but what about doing something simple? Can you be a servant and empty everyone’s trash at work? People might ask you, “Why are you doing this?” You can simply respond, “I just desire to serve you.” Continue to place others first––serve them––it can help them come to know Christ.

In serving others, we are learning to be like Jesus. Seriously, if you do not love people, how can you serve them? You cannot because you do not have the right heart. Have the heart of Jesus, His love and compassion, so that even when you go through the valley and suffer, as you continue to serve people, they will see Christ in you because of your faithful witness.

When God sees your obedience to His Word, He will be the One to lift you up. The Bible encourages us: ...humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT). Another Scripture shows the sovereignty of God in exalting or humbling a person: For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another (Psalm 75:6-7). If God exalts you, keep in mind it is to serve and minister to others.

Obedience to God's will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to DO (obey) God's will that brings certainty.
~Eric Liddell~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!