2006-03-09 - This Mind

For Jackie, Part 1

Phil 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (KJV)

These verses are the favorite passages of a friend who just passed from this life into the arms of her waiting Savior. Her memorial service was a celebration of a life that was lived largely for others. She spent hours in prayer. As her mobility was slowly eroded away, her reach in prayer grew farther and wider. I would like to look at these verses over the next few weeks.

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God;...

In Revelation 13:8, there is a phrase that indicates that the names of those who would believe is written down from the foundation of the world. The plan of salvation existed before Adam and Eve were created. God knew they would fall from grace. The three persons of the Trinity agreed on a plan that would send Jesus Christ, the Son, to come to live among us. The second person of the Trinity, Jesus, would wrap His glory in frail human flesh in order to come and suffer death, and rise again to free us from the power of sin and death. We think of Jesus so often in this human state, that it is easy for us to lose sight of the pure divinity that is wrapped just below the surface.

The first recorded miracle of Jesus was at a wedding. He was asked by his mother, Mary, to help the family who had just run out of wine. We all know the story of how the wine that was poured from the jugs filled with water was the best wine at the feast. The water was changed at the mere thought of Christ. The daughter of Jarus was raised from death at the simple call of His voice. The stunning victory of the empty tomb on the first day of the week after the crucifixion showed that death had no power to hold Him. All of these are glimpses of the deity of the Lord. It was not considered robbery for Him to be equal with God, because He is God - past, present and future.

Can we have the mind of God? Not the literally infinite, omnipotent mind - that is not what is being said here. But the mind of humility, service and obedience - of the life Jackie lived in prayer. That mind can be the goal. Will we attain it? Perhaps not before we walk through the veil that separates this life from eternity, but we can be moving closer.

The answer is a definite no if we never even try.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

2011-07-13