Speaker: Paul Diaz

Theme: True Greatness

Weekend Music links on iTunes:  All Because of Jesus I'm Alive by Fee; Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin; Glory to God Forever by Fee; Came to my Rescue by Hillsong United.

Read: Philippians 2:5-11; 3:7-11; Ephesians 5:25-27; 3:17-19

Think: 

One of my favorite metaphors to study right now is that of the body of Christ as the bride of Christ, and not just because I am a single female! I have been consistently overwhelmed by the depth of the love that Christ has for us, which was demonstrated by His death on the cross.

There are so many “love” stories in the world to compare it to, but I think a contrast might be more effective this time. I’m reminded of Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In the story, the brothers run off to town to snatch up the ladies of their choosing, thinking the women will be delighted at the adventure. However, they’re shocked to find that the women are frightened and confused! 

Praise Jesus that He does not force himself on us but is a humble gentleman! Paul (the Apostle) tells us that Jesus set His divinity aside and became obedient to the point of death (par. Phil. 2:7-8). And why? All to win us, His beloved bride, so that He might woo us to His love, making a way for covenant relationship by our redemption from sin. Paul (our pastor this time) encouraged us to look at Jesus as our example of humility, reminding us of Ephesians 5:25-27,

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

The expression of Jesus’ humility showed us the lengths He will go to draw us closer to Himself, not to demand our love forcibly, but to invite us into His love. But His humility also made a way for us to draw near to Him. His invitation enables us to come with confidence so that we might lay down our lives and serve Him out of thanksgiving and love.

Do: 

Pray: Lord, you gave yourself up for me! I am your prized possession and inheritance. Help me to be “rooted and grounded in love,” and “to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that [I] may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19). I know that in due time, because of a firm foundation in your love, you will teach me to walk fully submitted and humbled to you.

 The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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