April 2 – LD
14, Day 1: The
by Rev
Philippians 2:7 “But made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness
of men.”
This Lord’s Day begins a treatment of the humiliation of Jesus Christ.
We talk about five states in Jesus humiliation: His lowly birth, lifelong
suffering, death, burial, and descent into hell.
Jesus’ humble birth was an act of marvelous love. Nothing
compelled Him to become a man. He voluntarily took to Himself our flesh
and blood. Being born of a woman and lying as a newborn baby in the
manger was an equally great and conscious act of love by Jesus as hanging on
the cross.
The virgin birth is much more than an important doctrine we must
embrace- it was an act of love on the part of Jesus Christ. We will talk
of the love of God in sending His own Son. But, no less of a wonder is the love
of the Son in taking on Himself the form of a man. Jesus’ birth was an act of
love which He Himself willed. He who possessed the glory of the godhead
and dwelled in heaven made Himself of no reputation for our salvation. He
came from life to death so that He could give His people everlasting life.
From the moment of Jesus’ birth a wonderful union came into existence:
God and man in one Person. This is a divine mystery. Christ never
shrank back from coming into our flesh even though He knew that human life
would be one of continual suffering. What a humbling truth- Jesus Christ
entered this veil of tears for me!