For The Kingdom: Joy-Filled Living In Difficult Days | Day 25
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7
What is your favorite movie? Is it Die Hard? The story of John McLane, a nobody cop who becomes an international hero. Or Cinderella? A nobody girl who becomes a Princess. Perhaps Rocky? A nobody boxer who becomes a champion. What about Pretty Woman? A nobody prostitute who becomes a Beverly Hills beauty. Or maybe Captain America? A nobody soldier who becomes an Avenger. One of the most common and compelling themes in many of the stories we know and love is based the idea of going from “Rags to Riches.” Our protagonist, beginning as a nothing, a nobody, with no money, no possibilities, and no hope, then becomes swept up by fate, finding true wealth and happiness, power and glory. This is a story we cling to and hope will become our own.
Yet, in Christ we find an even more compelling story. A story that turns the “rags to riches” fantasy upside down. In Christ, we see the king who becomes a servant.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God is a great and mighty King who has reigned and ruled for all eternity. Jesus is the King of Kings! Sitting on His heavenly throne, He rules in unparalleled majesty and incomparable power. Jesus the King, created all things, possesses all creation and rules the entire universe. A King infinitely worthy to be worshipped and adored by all of His creation.
This King, Jesus the Christ, is also a surpassingly compassionate and merciful King who cares for His Kingdom and each person and being that it represents. This King truly sees His people, observing a hurting and hopeless world, lost and disconnected and doomed for eternal damnation. This King is filled with love for His people, moved by unending empathy for our own self-inflicted suffering. Then, at precisely the right time in human history, this King takes off His glistening crown, He removes His bejeweled royal cloak, and lays down His shimmering majestic scepter. This King surrenders the glory and authority of His throne and comes to earth in the form of a lowly child.
This King toils for most of his human life in utter obscurity. This King touches the filthy, associates with the forbidden and remembers the forsaken. This King is constantly interrupted, questioned, criticized and mocked by the most unworthy and undeserving reprobates and rabbis. This King washes the feet of the very ones who would betray him, deny him and abandon him in his darkest hours of need.
This King is Jesus, the Servant King.
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