"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."
-Philippians 2: 6-11

All He Had To Give

What more could God have done to show us His great love? The concept of God coming to earth as a man (Jesus) is something that we cannot comprehend. The closest that I can come is to imagine a king who all of a sudden loses his kingdom and becomes a homeless person. All the luxuries and extravagances that were once available to him are gone. His riches and power forfeited. Can you imagine giving up everything that you have? Yet this is what Jesus did when he came to earth as a man. Revelation 21 gives us a small glimpse of what heaven is like when it describes the New Jerusalem. "...It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal." (Revelation 21: 11) Heaven is an incredible place to be! But because of His love for us , Jesus left His home in heaven and 'made His dwelling among us.' (John 1: 14) Jesus gave up the praises of angels for the insults of men. What more could He do?

Well, Jesus did do more, much more. He lived His life here on earth as a man. He felt the same things that we feel. He was tempted just as we are tempted (go read Luke 4: 1-13). He gave us His wisdom (read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, 6, & 7, or go read the many parables Jesus used to teach with). Jesus gave us healing, He fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, but there was more for Him to give. "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' " (Matthew 27: 46) "And when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice; he gave up his spirit." (Matthew 27: 50) Jesus had already given us everything. He had left his heavenly home to live among us. He taught us, healed us, fed us, and gave us water when we were thirsty. But with His death on the cross, a death that purchased for us our salvation, He truly had given all He had to give!

How about you? Are you willing to give all that you have to give? How about setting aside time for church, worship, praise, and serving? Jesus was committed to give His all. What are you committed to?

Take a moment and encourage someone this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayers our praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."
-1 John 4: 9

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