A Manger Seen, Week 5, Day 29
by David Joynt on December 29, 2019
PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 | Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.
The best single word to describe the humility of Bethlehem for God is kenosis, which means self-emptying. The Creator goes through the messy process of birth. The Sustainer and Provider experiences the small world of the womb and is breastfed, supported by a carpenter's labor. The King becomes a subject under arbitrary and imperfect authorities. The Guide of history put aside powers and prerogatives to be a working-class Jewish child at the far edge of an empire.
But humility has some very special powers. It opens the secret chambers of our hearts in wonder. It communicates love’s depth in its risk and cost. It displays grace in its unnecessary action.
Has humility exercised power in your life?
Do one simple and humble act today, in Jesus’ name.
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