A chore as simple as emptying the trash requires a sort of humility—willingness to do the dirty work, stomach the odor, bear the burden. Doing so without complaint is even more noble!
In a small way, this pictures humble service—intentional sacrifice for the good of another. Most times, the cost does not benefit the giver in any way, causing us to be less inclined to give of ourselves.
I have found myself in that mindset before, and maybe you have too. That same admission makes the work of Jesus Christ that much more praiseworthy in my book! Philippians exalts Him for it.
“Christ Jesus … though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (verses 2:5-8).
That’s love if I’ve ever seen it! First John 4:9-10 tells us just as much.
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Jesus was not only submissive but also willing. It was His joy and purpose to fulfill the will of the Father—even though it cost Him greatly.
This is in stark contrast to frail humanity. Admittedly, I can be unwilling to go out of my way to help someone else. As if I can’t interrupt my workflow or change my plans for another, when Jesus Christ moved heaven and earth to save me from my sins!
Romans 5 says that “Christ died for the ungodly … at the right time”—that is, “while we were still weak” (6). It goes on. “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Whereas I hardly consider bending over backwards for someone who could care less, my beautiful Savior did exactly that and so much more for each and every one of us sinners who rebelled against His name and scorned His glory.
God’s Provision: Titus 2:14 reports that our Savior Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to redeem and purify us. Similar words are found in 1 Timothy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15). And again, “Christ Jesus … gave Himself as a ransom for all” (2:6). In the most humiliating act of all history, Christ incarnated Himself to die. In the most loving act of all time, He was crucified and resurrected so we could live.
Word of the Week: Life!
Abby
