The Cross Calls Me To Humble Obedience

The Cross Calls Me To Humble Obedience

He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross. –Philippians 2:7-8

No one in the first century would have ever believed that the cross would become a fashion statement. No one would have put a cross on top of a building or hung one around her neck. The cross was a shameful, barbaric form of execution reserved for the scum of the earth.

So when we read of the downward spiral Christ chose—making himself nothing, taking the position of a slave, and appearing in human form, we come to the lowest place a person could go. And when we think God has gone as far as he will go, he takes another step downward. “He humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.” There was no place too low, no service too sacrificial, no loss too great that he would not willingly choose to humble himself in that way so that he might give us life. And in the process, he shows us how to live.

Do you find yourself working hard to be somebody, to prove your own worth, to make a name for yourself? Look at Jesus, who made himself nothing. Isaiah said, “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him” (Isaiah 53:2).

Do you think Jesus has called you to a job or role of service that’s “beneath you” and an utter waste of your talents? Do you think you deserve better? Look at Jesus and see how he let go of the rights of deity to willingly become a slave.

Do you resent the family God has placed you in, the body he has given you, the way he formed your personality? Look at Jesus and see how he left the glory of heaven to become a baby in a manger, a criminal on a cross.

When you hear the call of Jesus to die to yourself, does it seem too much to ask? Look at the Cross. See the depths to which Jesus sank in obedience to his Father and the lengths to which he went to love. Then make your choice to follow him.

Humble Jesus, I feel trapped by my drive to be important, be noticed, and be served. But I see it is getting me nowhere and I am never satisfied. Help me to keep my eyes on you and follow you in this downward life of servanthood and humility, believing you will satisfy me and lift me up at the right time.

DIGGING DEEPER