Obedient to death - 18 March 2008

“Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: 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!” Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus lived a life of obedience to his Father’s will. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus humbled himself to live the life of a man, and was obedient to the will of his Father to beyond the point of death. Jesus knew what was in store for him in those final days. He even asked about the possibility of another way, another solution, when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

But he obeyed his Father in heaven, and went to the cross.

Jesus, in his life, sets us an example. He calls us to follow Him; to live as He would wish, doing the will of our Father in heaven.

But, how obedient are we? How much do our own wants and desires sway our actions, thoughts and words away from what Jesus would desire of us?

As Easter approaches take time to be still with God. Ask His Spirit to reveal where our obedience to God could be improved in some way. Then, thinking of what Jesus went on to do for us, why not commit to trying to change; to live a little more as Jesus would wish.

Lord, help us be obedient to your will.

Amen