Published 1/30/20
Read Philippians 2:5-8
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflect
How do these verses make you feel, knowing that Jesus took the form of a servant--and that He died for you?
As I saw anew the One who had created me and loved me, I found a new release in prayer and a deeper sense of His presence. I realized that He didn't love me less when I was broken or sad. In fact, the Bible says He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and very near to those who are crushed in spirit. And He is the Father who comforts us in all our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). I discovered His open arms were ready to console and embrace when we are battered by life or circumstances, for God has said, "I will comfort you there. . .as a mother comforts her child" (Isaiah 66:13 NLT).
Because we live in a fallen world, no matter how good our earthly fathers are, they are imperfect and often misrepresent God. God wasn't like my father or stepfather, and he isn't exactly like your dad, either. He is the perfect Father (Matthew 5:48). His love isn't available to us only when we measure up to rigid, hard-to-reach demands. And we don't have to perform to earn His love.
Pray
Lord, help me to become like You. Help me to be Your hands, feet, and face in the lives of others. Amen.