pramsay posted on September 07, 2009 06:55
Monday Meditation
From the desk of Dr. A.J. Higgins
www.heaven4sure.com
His Voluntary Incarnation
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
He also Himself likewise took part of the same;
that through death,
He might destroy (render powerless) him that had the power of death, that is the devil."
Hebrews 2:14
None of us willingly "take part of flesh and blood." Our coming into the world - our births, are without our 'consent'. We had nothing to do with it and are passive travelers into this world. Not so the Lord Jesus. He willingly took part of humanity. He was the only One ever born Who could choose the time (when Israel was at its lowest ebb politically, morally, spiritually), place (to despised Nazareth), family (poor peasants), and manner (in a manger in Bethlehem).
To think of the Lord of Glory willingly choosing all these circumstances should bow our hearts in worship. He did not know the comfort of modern conveniences. He lived amongst sinners. He walked unpaved and muddy streets. He labored with His hands to support His brothers and sisters. All was with a view to death and deliverance.
"We linger o'er the lowly place,
The veiled infinitude
The unseen splendor of the grace,
Mid man's ingratitude."
I. Ewan
Questions to consider:
1. "Likewise" or "in like manner" suggests that Christ, after His supernatural conception, developed normally and was truly human in every way, apart from sin. What else does this expression suggest?
2. His great purpose was to render powerless the devil and strip from him the weapon with which he had terrorized into bondage an entire world. How did the Lord Jesus strip death as a weapon from Satan?
3. The comparison is often made of David descending in the valley of Elah and destroying the giant with his own sword. But there are amazing contrasts as well. Think of some of the contrasts between David's victory in the valley, and Christ's victory at Calvary.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
This weekly meditation is prepared by Dr. Sandy Higgins. Its purpose is to give believers truth to think about and develop in their own minds and hearts throughout the week. Ultimately, as the week progresses, daily worship will result in hearts full of adoration for the Lord Jesus on the Lord's Day (Sunday) as believers gather to remember Him.
Print this off. Keep it nearby for the week. Jot down your thoughts and responses to each question. What other questions come to your mind as you meditate on this verse?