JAN 31 

Philippians 2:5-11
Memorise Philippians 2:8
“he humbled himself…”

The Apostle Paul tells us the depth of Jesus’ condescension to become man. He says of Him, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God”. The term ‘robbery’ refers to a prize possession, as something that one would grasp tightly and not want to let go. You and I have no idea how high an honour it is to be equal with God! Jesus, as God in all of heaven’s glories, chose to humble himself and come down as a man, to die for us! How can we, therefore, measure the condescension of Christ? 

The extent of his humility is not just in coming to live as a man, but much more in allowing Himself to be put to death at the hands of wicked men. With awe and reverence, we see Him in His death at Calvary. He did not need to die, yet He was willing to surrender His life. He said, “I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18). 

Jesus died as a criminal upon the cross of Calvary. He was made a curse for us! Crucifixion is the worst kind of death. It was a violent and excruciatingly painful death. The nails pierced His hands and feet. The weight of the body was made to hang upon these tender parts of the body. He was made a spectacle, as He hung there with the thieves by His side, in view of the general public. Yet the worst of it all was that as He hung there, God the Father had to turn away from Jesus, as He alone bore the punishment for all our sins. Our Lord, the King of Glory was in the Valley of Humiliation.

Dear teen, you and I are unlikely to be required to die for the cause of Christ. There are still those who are dying for the faith, who are “obedient unto death” especially in the Middle East today. These are modern day martyrs. Yet in a similar manner, what Jesus requires of you and me are simple every day - dying to self and living in complete obedience to Him, not partial obedience. Jesus was willing to go to Calvary for our sins. Would we not be willing to give up our sins for Him? 

Thought: Rejoice if you are counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Prayer: Lord, King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be.