…But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form
of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:7*
Seven Hundred years before the Savior walked the hills of Galilee, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Servant of Jehovah (Isaiah 52:13-15). Even the scribes and doctors of the law of Jesus’ day had serious problems with the prophecy. It was clear that God’s Servant was to suffer and be cruelly treated in order to justify many, but other prophesies presented the Messiah as an all-powerful king. To explain the apparent contradiction, some suggested that God would send two different Anointed Ones.
The religious leaders failed to see the two separate missions of Christ. Before He could reign and rule over Israel, He first had to stoop to conquer. When the Lord came to die on Calvary, He was the Suffering Servant. When He comes the second time, it will be as King of Kings.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). He fed the hungry, attended the sick, and washed dirty feet. Finally, when his time of service was over, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).
Men became slaves to the Devil by emulating their owner. Lucifer is a prideful creature who has the power to hold in bondage all those given to self-exaltation. It is deception to covet power and authority at all cost. But it’s bad business to gain even the whole world and lose one’s soul (Matthew 16:26).
Our master told his disciples “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Strange logic indeed it seems – until one realizes that there is nothing greater than being like the Lord. Being conformed to the image of Christ is glorious.
*see also Isaiah 42:1, 52:13, 53:11; Matthew 12:18; Acts 3:13, 26, 4:30
October 15
