We saw yesterday that “in all these things” we are to be more than conquerors. If the word had been “ex,” or “sub,” or “super,” instead of “in,” then the power of our faith would have been turned away from human problems. Not their solution, but escape from them—above, beneath, around, apart from, not in —would have been our interest. Any other word, except “in” is fatal. If religion cannot solve the problems of life as is, then it has no place in life. It is opium.
I have lived all my life amid religions which, when they came to this business of life now, have tried to rise above it, to step apart from it, feigned indifference to it, steeled themselves against it, done everything except face it and solve it—“in.” That little word has been the rock over which they have stumbled to their doom—usually gradual doom, but doom nevertheless. There is no way to solve life itself except from within. Jesus did just that. He entered life—became incarnate. The steps in that Incarnation are seven, according to Philippians 2:5–8:
Have this mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped [gave up the ultimate position and ultimate security—step number one], but emptied himself [emptied Himself of everything but love—step number two], taking the form of a servant [from Creator to creature, and a serving creature—step number three], being born in the likeness of men [not a verbal identification—a real one—step number four]. And being found in human form he humbled himself [became man and then lower than proud man—step number five] and became obedient unto death [the ultimate identification—with our death—step number six], even death on a cross [the identification lowest down—step number seven].
THE PRAYER
O Jesus, I marvel with a deep-down marvel at Thy “in.” How deeply in Thou didst come we will never know. We shall explore it forever. What we see sets our hearts atingle to know the wonder of it—to know it fully. I thank Thee for what I see. Amen.
AFFIRMATION FOR THE DAY
Jesus “stooped to save”—how wonderful that stooping was I shall explore forever!
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3 Responses
We, as believers who are aware that not all is alright as the institutional church now exists, pray that we can be made pure and holy, tried, and true. This posting should bring to mind that new (resurrection) life follows death to Self.
“IN all these things we are more than conquerors THROUGH HIM who loves us.”
Through the presence and power
Of the risen eternal One
Who loves us,
Christ-followers do more
Than merely survive
In this fallen world.
Through Christ in us
We are empowered to thrive
From glory to glory
As flourishing branches
Abounding with fruit
Through direct attachment
And ongoing surrender
To Jesus the living Vine.
In troubles and trials
We are called to overflow
With the New Wine
Of HIs presence.
.
Stepping down lifts us out from the clutches of sin and the world and up to Him.
By lowering the flesh (self) to Jesus, He raises our spirit up into Him, where life is abundantly full.
Only by falling on our knees can we reach the sky.
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Staying 💪’ n Christ
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.