"From this we conclude that he had no regard for himself; as he clearly affirms, 'For their sake I sanctify myself'. For he who gave away the fruit of his holiness to others testifies that he acquired nothing for himself. And this is indeed worth noting: to devote himself completely to saving us, Christ in a way forgot himself."- John Calvin
I wake up thinking about myself, my comfort, my problems, and my needs. Even when my thoughts are turned to others, to my wife, my children, and my church, I am trying to be a good husband, a good father, a good pastor who will be appreciated by those I love and serve. The moment my wife complains to me, or my children disobey me, or my parishioners criticize me I lose my motivation to love them. Deep down I have a sneaking suspicion that I matter more than them. In fact, the greatest thing that gets in the way of my own devotion to God is this attitude rooted in the corruption of my soul (which the Bible calls my sinful nature) that convinces me that I matter more even than God.
Jesus forgot himself completely. He had nothing to gain from his life in this world but the unbearable anguish of his body and soul on the cross. The source of all life forgot his life. The righteous one forgot his merit and innocence.
Jesus forgot himself, but he did not forget his Father who sent him. There on the cross, Jesus brought glory to his Father, accomplishing the work he had been given. His Father would forsake him on the cross, yet this did not diminish his love for his Father or his commitment to fulfilling his Father's will; it added fuel to his fiery determination to bring his Father glory.
Jesus forgot himself, but he did not forget the people he was sent to save. There on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. His own people would abandon him, yet this did not diminish his love for them or his commitment to redeem them from their sins with his own life; it added fuel to his fiery determination to save his people.
Now that I have seen him crucified and risen for my salvation I can never forget how Jesus forgot himself for me. For even when I forget him he will not forget me.
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I attended another service this past Sunday due to in-laws in town and having to drop them at the airport. The sermon identified 3 levels of friendship (zaccheus, peter, john) and how each level was closer/more intimate. The problem I had w/ the sermon was that it neglected the most important level, giving up one's life for a friend, a sacrificial love that Christ extended to those who hate him (i.e. we the sinners). It's easy to be friends with those you love but even harder to show grace and compassion to your enemies as Christ has done.
ReplyDeleteI agree. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is impossible. We can not love the way that Jesus has loved us. That is what makes him the Christ! Yet when we find ourselves in the Divine love story displayed on the cross by believing on Christ and turning away from our sins we are able to grow in our capacity to love him and others more than we ever could have in our guilty, self-righteous, corrupt, and condemned sinful nature. We missed you brother. Looking forward to seeing you and your family this Friday!
ReplyDelete.. even at times when I feel like I am being selfless, He reveals to me my true nature inside .. truly amazing grace!
ReplyDeleteAmazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a decent guy like me? I find that the amount I marvel at God's grace often corresponds with the amount I deplore my wretchedness in the light of his all consuming holiness. I think John Newton understood this. Thanks for chiming in Sky!
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