“But [Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. … and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:7-8
In 1738 Charles Wesley wrote in his hymn “And Can It Be?” that Jesus “emptied himself of all but love.” What a beautiful thought. Jesus emptied Himself before He came to earth as a human baby. I know that when I feel “emptied out” in any way, it is exhausting and difficult for me. But Jesus would have felt complete peace, knowing He was doing His Father’s will.
You may have heard the saying, “There’s no place safer than in the center of God’s will.” When Jesus entered this world, being in the center of God’s will put him in the path of Herod’s plan to kill Him. By the time He entered His ministry years, He was facing resistance, misunderstanding, hatred, and crucifixion. None of these situations sounds very “safe” to me! Yet this was God’s will and perfect plan. Out of it would come salvation for you and me.
Pray along with me: Lord, empty me of my trivial thoughts and concerns! Take my “to do” list; take my dreams, my fears, my finances, and my very life to fulfill Your will. Make me a clean, empty vessel, fit for Your use. Amen.
You may have heard the saying, “There’s no place safer than in the center of God’s will.” When Jesus entered this world, being in the center of God’s will put him in the path of Herod’s plan to kill Him. By the time He entered His ministry years, He was facing resistance, misunderstanding, hatred, and crucifixion. None of these situations sounds very “safe” to me! Yet this was God’s will and perfect plan. Out of it would come salvation for you and me.
Pray along with me: Lord, empty me of my trivial thoughts and concerns! Take my “to do” list; take my dreams, my fears, my finances, and my very life to fulfill Your will. Make me a clean, empty vessel, fit for Your use. Amen.
Scripture Focus
Philippians 2:5-8
Insight
“He left His Father’s throne above,/ So free, so infinite His grace;/ Emptied Himself of all but love,/ And bled for Adam’s helpless race.”(Wesley)
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 21-22
- Psalm 141
- Colossians 3-4