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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 |
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