Philippians 2:8. And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Oh Friends, I’m sorry to say, but it’s Monday once again…. And as I utter those words, an unbelievable sound reaches my ears and stops me dead in my tracks.
Borne on the wings of the wind, the chanting of this mantra completely engages me: ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday! Time to go back to work. Time to make a l’il bread. Time to spread a l’il LOVE!’
And as I stand up there, hearing this sweet chanting, I tell myself I must be dreaming, my ears must be deceiving me, because normally mankind wouldn’t be caught dead singing something like that on a Monday morning.
But as I listen closer, it echoes back to me again: ‘TGIM! Thank God is Monday! Time to go back to work! Time to make a l’il bread! Time to spread a l’il LOVE!’
Oh my brethren, can you ever imagine, even in your wildest dreams, that something like that would happen in real reality? No way José!
But when I heard it the third time, I couldn’t doubt my ears any longer. I had to believe that what they were hearing was really true. All I could do was sigh in true wonderment, then lift up my head, my eyes, my heart and my hands to heaven, and simply say in an amazed voice:
‘Thank You Lord! You certainly move in mysterious ways, your wonders to perform. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it with my own two ears. No wonder we bow to You in all admiration, truly worshipping your gracious majesty, your justice, your LOVING-kindness, your mercy and forgiveness.
We LOVE You Lord, we praise your Holy Name, and pray that You’ll continue to bless us, your faithful children, who only desire to please You, to do your will, and thus walk worthy of You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.’
And now that we’re finished laughing Friends, let’s get to the real reality and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. That little bit of fantasy ought to have lightened our mood somewhat. So in great voice, let’s sing:
‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle.
Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
That wasn’t bad at all mih people, but now comes the true test, for us to go out there and do as Jesus did in our Bit: ‘And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’
No, we’re not expected to suffer death on the cross, but we are expected to humble ourselves and be obedient, even to the point of death, if necessary.
Now don’t go getting yourselves all in a bother, because very few of us will ever face death because of our faith. But if that does happen, hopefully we’ll be strong enough to face it with sufficient aplomb to make Jesus proud.
However, our basic problem is not facing death, but just being obedient and humble in our everyday lives, especially since humility and obedience are not words favourably looked upon in our current society. But Friends, as followers of Jesus they are two attitudes, two characteristics that MUST be engrained in our souls.
And we have the perfect example to follow in Jesus. Listen to Him on the night before He was crucified. In the gathering gloom of Gethsemane He says to the inner circle of His disciples: ‘My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye (wait, stay) here, and watch with me.
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ (Matt.26:38-39)
Yes Friends, Jesus indeed felt the human emotions of sorrow and anxiety as the time of His crucifixion drew near, but He remained steadfast in obedience to His Father’s wish, knowing the great purpose that hinged on it; our salvation.
And we’ll end with this scripture that encapsulates it all. ‘Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. Called of God as high priest after the order of Melchizedek.’ (Heb.5:8-10)
Yes my brethren, obedience and humility are indeed two traits necessary to serve God. Jesus had them, and they didn’t happen overnight, He worked on them all through His life. Likewise, we won’t develop them all at once, but we have to constantly work on them if we want to have a positive and prosperous relationship with our wonderful God, and receive rewards like Jesus did.
So let’s go out there today and fight a good fight, with humble passion and eager obedience in our hearts. For that my people, is indeed wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!
…only in true humility and abiding obedience…can we ever hope to please God…
SCRIP-BITS 