Jesus, The Supreme Example

He Humbled Himself . . .

In his Theology text, Millard Erickson gives a simple diagram of the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus. I recently created my version of it for some sermon notes. This resume of Jesus is powerfully presented in Philippians 2:1-11, where we are told that the kind of self-giving attitude that we see in Christ's incarnation should be ours (v. 5). Among the amazing truths found in this passage is one that always leaves me shaking my head in amazement. When I look at the side of the diagram that depicts God the Son's humiliation I see that He is the one who initiates the actions. He didn't regard the privileges of Deity as something to be selfishly held to. He emptied Himself. He humbled Himself. He obeyed. Yet on the other side of the diagram, He is the one Who is acted upon. God (the Father by implication) exalted Him. God gave Him a name above every name. At the crisis moment of His humiliation, we don't see Jesus strutting around like an over-confident, spoiled child who knows that it will work out. No, He prays, "If it is possible, let this cup be taken away from me" (Matthew 26:39). "Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17:5). He trusts.There isasenses--out there beyond my ability to grasp--in which the situation was out of control for the Son of God, but He did what He tells us to do, "Seek first the Kingdom of God . . ." (Matthew 6:33). So, the God of the universe prays. He prays a prayer, not unlike one that will be offered by millions of children today. "Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord, my soul to keep." There is more to this Christmas story than we know or understand. STTA (Something To Think About).

Humility:

Something To Think About, Humility:

Several of us spent some time this morning talking about humility.  It is a somewhat slippery concept.  False humility while it may bear some resemblance to the real thing is likely to end up being the opposite--pride.  We tend to appreciate humility in others, but we aren't so good at practicing it ourselves. The book we are using for our study says that humility is seeing one's self as God does. C. S. Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” When we are truly humble we have an uplifting influence on others around us.  "There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world.  It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher." A good bit of our discussion this morning had to do with knowing, and being content in the place we should occupy.  God has given each of abilities and opportunities.  To ignore those resources and with false humility claim that we can't do what we clearly can is not humility.  It is a refusal serve others, and thus to place a greater focus on self than we should. I do need to see myself as God does, and then act like it.  That's a lifetime task, and . . . It's Something To Think About. Here is a site where you can find out about Jesus Christ and His plan for you.  You'll find several opportunities to explore.  If we can help you, let us know. We would love for you to make the Live Nativity a part of your Christmas Season.  It is a very family friendly activity. Click the picture for more information.

Humility?

Something To Think About Humility,. 9/19

Often--maybe always--vice lives right next door to virtue.  This is true beyond any doubt with the virtue of humility, and several rather sneaky vices. The Bible counsels that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3), and that we should give preference to one another in honor (Romans 12:10).  However, one who fails to admit to certain abilities that he has--capabilities that exceed those of others--deprives others of the benefit of those strengths.  Prestige or respect is sometimes a necessary ingredient of leadership.  For one to "humbly"refuse anything that smacks of honor can prevent one from being a blessing to others.  Too much humble-pie can cause one's waist to swell with a perverse sort of pride, while allowing the muscles of service to atrophy. Hard work is a virtue the book of Proverbs frequently upholds, yet the notion that "I can do whatever needs to be done by myself." is a mark of pride. We need the guidance of God's word and the Holy Spirit to navigate the difficult route.  Sunday morning at CBC we will look at Peter's counsel to live humbly. It's Something to Think About.

Does the sky prove God loves America?

Something To Think About God's Love in the Sky: 9/16

Does God love America? Yes. But there is some nuance that a one word answer doesn't give.  I'll get back to it in a moment. I was watching the news this morning.  One of the talking heads was quite enamored with this picture (I think I have the right one.)  He, quoting the claims of the photographer, pointed out that the sky looks like the American flag.  He went on to say something about this beautiful scene demonstrating God's love for America. OK.  It is a pretty picture, and in the same way that kids watching clouds see horses and men with beards, I can see that it does have some resemblance to the Star-Spangled-Banner. It's been a tough time for Americans.  ISIS has beheaded two American journalists, and bragged about it by posting video and threats online.  A nation "liberated" at great cost--most significantly of lives--now is in peril of descending into . . . I can't think of a word horrible enough to describe the thought. Our most cherished pass-time, at the beginning of a new season, is marked by controversy and scandal. So in Rorschach manner it is no wonder that one looking at the sky at the picture above would see the symbol of our nation, and then grow on to conclude, "It means God loves us." Let's all be anchor-people at this point, and anchor our thinking and imagining to some reality.   Scripture does indicates that God is in control.  The Old-Testament books of Daniel and Esther abound with evidence of God's sovereignty.   Roman's 8:28 is a straight forward statement of that fact in regard to "those who love Him."  There are no exception sub-clauses in the verses that follow.  I conclude that God is in control of the sunrise and set.   But, But, BUT, our ability to read or decipher what events around us mean is very limited--maybe to the point of nonexistence.  If the appearance of the flag of one nation in the sky indicates God's favor, does the storm that bears down on another--and one doesn't have tax the memory to recall when that was my nation--indicate a lack of Divine favor?  Might Jihadis viewing the sky have concluded that this was a sign of God's confirmation of their plans to eliminate the nation that flies that flag? "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? (Romans 11:33-35) Does God Love America? Yes. He loves Mexico, Russia, England, Iraq, and Iran. He demonstrated His love for the world by the gift of His Son. ls God pleased with what America is doing.  Clearly, not always.  Thankfully my nation has done many things right.  Sadly, there is much that is wrong.  It's not painted in the sky; it's written in the Book.    “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)   Whatever nation one belongs to, whether that country is being blessed or headed for divine judgment, the Lord is willing to deal with individuals. More important than the question of whether God loves a nation is the assurance that God loves me. Have I responded to His love? It's Something to Think About. Click here to view a message about the bad news in the Bible that leads to good.

Leave Him Alone

Much was made of the fact that newly elected Pope Francis fetching his own luggage and personally settling accounts at the hotel where he had stayed during the conclave to select a new Pope.  Here is the lead from one article:  "Pope Francis put his humility on display during his first day as pontiff Thursday, stopping by his hotel to pick up his luggage and pay the bill himself in a decidedly different style for the papacy usually ensconced inside the frescoed halls of the Vatican."  (NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press 4:24 A.M.MARCH 14, 2013)

I don't accept the authority of the Pope, but my article today is not so much critical as sympathetic.  I wish reporters would leave the guy alone.  Acts of humility, and religious activities, like praying--the Pope's prayer at church right after the hotel visit was also widely publicized--ought to be private.  Listen to what the Lord Jesus had to say on this.  Any righteous deed done for the purpose of display is not a righteous deed at all.  As perverse as it is, one can be proud of his humility.  Such is the depth of depravity.  

So, if Francis errand to fetch his stuff and pay his bill--in a regular car, no less--was a sincere act of humility, he wouldn't want it spread worldwide.  If it was not sincere it shouldn't be publicized.  

Meanwhile back in Covington VA, I pray that the Lord will help me to "not to think more highly" of myself than I ought.  A sober assessment would lead to the truth that if I have anything worthy of note it is from God.  (Romans 12:3)

 

It's STTA.