Jesus Walks

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation (he emptied himself), and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ~Philippians 2:5-8.

Jesus walks among us.

When Jesus was born in a lowly manger with livestock and straw, it probably didn't smell too well.  Jesus was born a helpless babe.  Jesus had to learn, like you and me, how to walk with the Father and to grow up in Him.  Jesus was born into humanity and He was, and is, not afraid to get dirty.  He is not afraid to walk among us, to get the dirt of humanity on him. 

For we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 
~Hebrews 4:15-16.

The Father didn't despise the humanity of Jesus; neither does He despise our humanity. 

I was flipping through the channels last night in one of my rare TV moments and momentarily landed on "Say Yes to the Dress."  Some young newlyweds were featured on the show.  They were being interviewed about whether they intended to have kids in the future.  My ears perked up at the wife's response.  She said, "Kids are gross!  They always have jam on their fingers and stuff."  The husband looked on sheepishly.  I sincerely hope she was joking, but deep down, part of me knows she was not. I know, because I used to think that way, too. 

How sad to let a little dirt separate us from a lifetime of love.

Fortunately for us, Jesus doesn't think like that.  Jesus rolls in the dirt with us.  We have a Savior who has walked through every temptation we have.  He knows everything we're going through.  He's not afraid to get his hands dirty.  Aren't you glad Jesus is among us, not floating above us?  If he were above us, we couldn't reach him. 

But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).  But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord    of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~ Romans 10:6-13.

           

Jesus is one breath away: his name is in our mouth and in our hearts.  Jesus didn't come down to our level to be like us, but so that we, in the midst of our humanity, could become like Him (who was tempted in all the same ways we are, yet without sin). 

And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace we are saved; ) And has raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: (so) that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  ~Ephesians 2:1-7.

Don't ever think "I'm in too deep in poverty or sickness or confusion or broken relationships to come to God,"  "I've messed up too bad," or "I'm beyond help."  He intimately knows what you're going through!  He infinitely cares!  And He Loves the dickens out of you!  Knowing that our Savior has gone through everything we're going through, go boldly to the throne of grace!  There, you'll find mercy and grace to help in your time of need.  

Remember, Jesus came to our level so He could bring us back up to His level.  Praise God!  

Give Him your humanity and He'll give you His divinity; 

Give Him your sickness and He will give you His healing; 

Give Him your insecurities and He'll give you His security / sure-footedness; 

Give Him your depression and He'll give you His joy; 

Give Him your brokenness and He'll give you His peace;  

Give Him your silence and He will give you His voice;  

Give Him your fear and He'll give you His love.  

He came down so we could come up.  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Amen. (So be it.)