April 28, 2004

THE OBEDIENT ONE

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8, NIV).

The art gallery of Jesus' portraits would be incomplete without an exhibit of the "Obedient One." Without this portrait, the entire plan of salvation would have been a tragic failure.

It was a profound act of condescension for the Son of God to divest Himself of the splendor, prerogatives, and rights of His heavenly office and come to earth as a helpless baby. The depth of His condescension is expressed in the phrase, he "became obedient to death--even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8, NIV). It was condescension enough for the Son of God to become man with all its liabilities, but to die on a cross as a common criminal was the ultimate indignity. This was the severest test of His obedience.

Throughout His life on earth, Christ never wavered or disobeyed. Repeatedly He affirmed, "I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 6:38, NIV). In His agony in Gethsemane, He prayed, "Yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42, NIV). The obedient one is not only our Saviour and substitute, He is also our model for living. The same Saviour who calls us to salvation also calls us to discipleship.

We can be encouraged that: "There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. In heaven His merits, His self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured up as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As the sinner's sincere, humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His life of perfect obedience."--In Heavenly Places, p. 69.

My Prayer Today: Lord, today I recognize You as my Lord and Master. Make me like the obedient one. Amen.