CAPTURED IN HUMAN FORM

SATURDAY 31 JULY 2021

Christ Jesus being in the form of God and yet humbling Himself, by becoming obedient to death is central to the Christian faith. In other words, it plays an essential role in a Christian life and can teach us valuable and lasting life lessons.

Reference: Philippians 2:8-9 English Standard Version (ESV) "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name."

Christ's example of humility is the focus of today's article. Christ being God Himself made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. He did not consider His equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. What a humility personified Christ and Lord!

In time past, I have sat in congregations and heard dedicated ministers preach their heart out to stir the saints to humility by instancing the manifestation of the servant nature that Jesus demonstrated when He came in human form. In fact, I have been moved to tears several times reading the above Scriptures, and later I wiped my tears without anyone noticing it. Then, I sat in my closet asking the Holy Spirit to show me how Jesus did it and what was the unseen deep secret in those moments He was captured in human form.

Now looking at His case study through an unseen filter, what do you see? I see God being more than pleased as a Father, seeing His precious Son humbly dedicated to doing His will regardless of the God He is. Earlier on, before humbling Himself to the point of death, this is exactly what the God said about His Son, Jesus, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17 NKJV). At this point, Jesus hadn't done anything yet, however, God flipped the windows of heavens wide open and said to Him, "Son, I'm well pleased with you." What pleased God at first instance was their Father-Son relationship but what made God exalt Jesus highly and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, is His humility and obedience to the point of death. So they are two different recognitions.

Beloved, even though intimate relationship matters, humility is proven superior to relationship by Christ. To God, His relationship with Son is so pleasing but His humility is a brand new revelation that attracted upgrade, elevation and exaltation. Beloved, it is not hard to notice the difference from human standpoint. First when Christ arrived on earth, He existed as a joyful and pleasing thought in the mind and heart of God, but after Christ's death on the cross, God upgraded His name and status with a superior regard, which offers us a greater perspective in Christendom.

Beloved, Pastor EJC is not saying that humility is a substitute for a genuine loving relationship with God, I'm only saying that its an upgrade to such relationship. What pleases God is a pure, intimate, honest, and rewarding relationship with Him but what moves God is our willingness to submit to His perfect will in a humble array, regardless of situation, status and accomplishment. In John 6:38, Jesus, said, "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (NIV). There is no gain or profit in knowing God's will, but refusing to conform to it or follow it. Humility is not a religious attitude; it's a genuine submission to God's will in everything. And when God sees that in operation, then we'll hear Him say, "Beloved, you are in for high or powerful level in rank or status in the realm that matters." Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 53:3; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 10:9.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm forever grateful for the precious gift of your Son Jesus Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Thank you Jesus, for your patient endurance and humility unto a shameful death just for my sake and salvation. For this cause, I run my Christian race with my eyes fixed upon Christ, who perfects my faith, thereby imitating His example of humility in every facet of my Christian faith. To God be the glory in Jesus' Name, Amen!