Granted, not Grasped

Philippians 2:4-8

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

Jesus Christ was tempted to steal. Satan tempted Jesus to take glory from the Father for Himself. But Jesus worked faithfully, fulfilling His calling, taking good care of the sheep the Father gave Him. We are those sheep. Our salvation depended on His keeping this command. And here at His table we get a regular reminder that Jesus is generous and giving, not a greedy grasper. He emptied Himself and laid down His life. Every table you set at home shows a father’s provision and a mother’s preparation. This table shows the same. A Father’s plan of grace. A Son’s life of humble sacrifice. A church’s sins forgiven, redeemed to receive. This is not stolen bread. God gives it. He wants you to receive the living bread which has come down from heaven.

3/4/12