Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
When we consider the sacrifice of Christ, we often focus on His suffering on the cross. And rightly so—His crucifixion was excruciating, both physically and spiritually. But have we truly pondered what He gave up even before that?
The Glory Christ Left Behind
Before Jesus took on flesh, He existed in the glory of heaven, in perfect unity with the Father. He was not bound by time or space. He was worshiped by angels. He lacked nothing. Yet, in an act of unimaginable love, He chose to leave His divine throne to enter a broken world.
He chose hunger.
He chose weariness.
He chose rejection.
He chose sorrow.
And ultimately, He chose death.
Why? Because God’s love is not passive. It does not merely offer affection from a distance. It moves. It sacrifices. It suffers for the beloved.
What Does This Say About God’s Love?
Jesus did not merely tell us that God loves us—He demonstrated it in the most radical way possible. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
What more could God do to prove His love? If He was willing to leave heaven for us, to suffer for us, to die for us, how can we doubt that He is trustworthy?
Can God Be Trusted?
Life often brings trials that make us question God’s faithfulness. But when we look at the cross, we see the ultimate proof that God is for us, not against us. If He gave up His Son, what will He withhold from us that is truly good?
Paul reassures us in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
If you ever doubt God’s love, look to the manger—where the King of Glory became a helpless infant.
If you ever question His care, look to the cross—where He bore the weight of our sin.
If you ever wonder if He can be trusted, look to the empty tomb—where He conquered death itself.
What more could He do?
The answer is nothing. He has given us everything. Let us, then, trust Him with our whole hearts, for His love is proven, and His faithfulness is sure.
Amen.
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