Scripture

Instead he gave up his divine privileges;

He took the humble position of a slave and was born a human being.

Reflection

When I became flesh it was with a purpose in view. There is nothing remarkable in this; men and women give up the privileges of being in the comfort of home for the purpose of defending their nation.

The highest form of this self giving is when a missionary serves me by leaving all that is familiar to take the gospel to a foreign land.

My heart is blessed whenever anyone gives of themselves for my sake. It is in doing this that you take on my attitude.

At the heart of this is absolute surrender to me. I desire that you learn to trust me in all things.

For my Son the pain was horrendous, the spiritual agony and abandonment of the Cross almost infinite. But the payoff in honour was also commensurate.

Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Every human being, every spirit being, every part of creation will give worship and praise to my Son.

Surrender and submission bring honour in my Kingdom.

Even in battle, when it feels like the pressure is intense, that every demon in creation is focused on you, stand firm. Trust me and know this: those same evil beings that torment you today will eventually praise me because of your steadfastness.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for this revelation. As I surrender myself to you, you will force even the enemy to honour me, and to worship you because of me. Please help me to stand firm in you in all things. Amen.