Jesus was not a robber
Got your attention, didn’t I?
If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to remind you and I of a particular set of passages which paint a rather complete picture of who Jesus Christ is, what He did in the past, and what will come to pass at a future date (this chronology should not be confused with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol). I know of no other place in Scripture of such a convergence of compelling theology. It’s found in Philippians, chapter 2, vs. 5-11.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 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. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hopefully as I do, you also can appreciate the abundant clarity of what you just read. Perhaps you’ve read it a hundred times before or maybe this is your first reading. Irregardless, what Jesus did for me, for you, for all of mankind, is beyond comprehension. No mortal can explain it. This is where faith steps in and bridges the gap between this world and the next. After all, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Please re-read the passage again a bit slower and really think about what is behind communicated. There is so much rich theology there. Quite enough to discredit those who consider Jesus anyone less than Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Christmas is coming because a Savior was born unto us, for our salvation so that we can live forever with Him in a place He is preparing for us. Now that’s a Christmas present to rejoice over.
Amen.
Thanks for indulging me once again.
Jim
This is one of my all-time favorite passages, particularly "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Having the Life of Christ within us gives us the very mind of Christ. How glorious is that? Good thing too, my mind slips a gear on a regular basis. Lol. However, in releasing Christ's mind, I find the comfort of depending on His thinking.
Interestingly enough, our pastor preached from this passage this morning. It's not one that comes to mind for Christmas, but you and he show how timely it is.