Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:1-11
English Standard Version (ESV)

  What's the first thing you would do if you were God?
  Would you give yourself a million dollars?  Maybe you'd exact some vengeance on an enemy.  I bet we'd all come up with different lists, some of which would serve our own needs, while other items would likely serve the needs of others.  Maybe you'd get rid of pollution or finally take care of human trafficking. 
  God, the most powerful being in the universe, opted to take on a lowly existence as a poor carpenter.  Having done so, after laboring in obscurity for decades, Jesus then traveled the countryside performing selfless acts of service.  He healed the lame and brought sight to the blind, often transcending cultural taboos by reaching out to the lowest of the low in society.  After three years, rather than choosing to ascend a throne and reign in regal power, Jesus instead allowed himself to be publicly mocked and crucified. 
  Why?
  Because God saw that as the necessary path to redeem you.  You are worth all of the suffering in the world to God.  God treasures you, and there wasn't a price too high to pay, so God offered everything in order to bring you forgiveness.
  You are infinitely treasured and loved by the most powerful being in creation.  I hope that truth changes the way you live today. 

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