Philippians 2:5-7
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
Look, up in the sky! It’s God. It’s a man. It’s Jesus! Jesus – the great shape-shifting God-man. With the power of a God, Jesus might have been an awesome hero – but maybe we deserved a terrible villain. He might have come to our sinful world with judgment, shock and awe, raining down death and destruction – instant pain and punishment for all. God might have sent us a villain like Lex Luther (no relation to Martin). Jesus also might have come as an almighty benevolent healer, dousing Earth and humanity in healing pixie dust as He flew fist-forward across the sky – instant comfort and forgiveness for all. God might have sent us a hero like Superman.
The book of Genesis tells us that we too have been created in God’s image. There is a little bit of Superman and Lex Luther in each of us. We have big powers within us – ones that might be exploited for healing or judgment. But, let us be of the same mind as Jesus. Let us not exalt in our triumphs or rage in our frustrations. Let us be humble and obedient to God’s calls. Look to Jesus to keep you grounded. Look up to the cross! It’s God. It’s a man. It’s Jesus!
John Lofgren
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar and join us Wednesday for midweek Lenten worship. Dinner is served at 6:15 and worship (Holden Evening Prayer) is at 7 pm.
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