The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

“Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7).

You have read today about the amazing humiliation and condescension of the Lord Jesus Christ. He “made Himself of no reputation” which speaks of Christ’s self-emptying. Theologians call this “the Kenosis” or the amazing way that Christ restricted the use of His attributes of Deity and veiled the bright and dazzling glory that He has possessed from eternity past. It is important to remember that Christ didn’t abandon any of his pre-incarnate attributes. He restricted the use of these attributes. Many years ago we as a congregation sang “And Can It Be?” written by Charles Wesley. My wife smiled at me because there is a phrase that I just cannot sing. It is a phrase in the second stanza. “He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace!” All of that is wonderful. But then comes the phrase, “Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled, for Adam’s helpless race!”

He did indeed bleed for Adam’s helpless race, but He never emptied Himself of all but love! He restricted the use of His attributes because the awesome Lord of blazing glory had taken upon Himself humanity and even lower, the form of a servant. What an incredible Lord! He stooped so far down to become our Savior.

I know that the tune of “And Can It Be?” is going to go through your mind today. Since it is in Public Domain, why not sing that phrase, “Emptied Himself- amazing love!” You will rejoice and actually sing this theologically correctly.

For today: It’s America’s Birthday! Pray that our fellow citizens will come to know and love this wonderful Savior! Oh, how our country needs the Lord!

“And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:6, 8-9).

Kevin was explaining to his class about the wonderful present blessings that we Christians have right now as well as the wonderful future blessings that await us. He further explained the truth of Scripture that we believers are already in Christ positionally. Because our Savior is seated in Heaven, we are therefore spiritually already present and seated in the Heavenly places.

As if this wasn’t wonderful enough, Kevin went on to share with the class that the day is coming when we will be present with the Lord and personally witness His splendor and majesty. Class was dismissed, and there sat Lori, sobbing nearly uncontrollably. Carmella, Kevin’s wife, came to her side and gladly held Lori in her arms. After many moments Lori quieted down enough to whisper, “This morning someone very near and close to my heart told me that I was worthless and couldn’t do anything right. He went on to tell me that I was a ‘worthless piece of garbage.’ Now I’ve learned that since I’ve asked Jesus to be my Savior, I am already seated in Heavenly places in Him on His throne. I just can’t tell you how powerful this is to me. Especially this is very overwhelming to me this morning. It is hard to imagine!” With that, the tears flowed again. How about you? When was the last time that your heart was thrilled to tears about the truth of this text?

For today: I haven’t been called a piece of garbage (at least that I know of!); however, I feel very undeserving of such a blessing. I also rejoice because of this privilege. How about you?

“And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:6, 8-9).

Kevin had the great opportunity and privilege of teaching a new converts’ class in his local church. They called it “The New Beginnings Class.” Lori was one of the members of the class of nine folks who had recently trusted the Lord Jesus to be their Savior. Kevin was especially excited about the lesson he would present today. He entitled his lesson “A Fabulous Future and a Precious Present Right Now!”

For the next hour he rehearsed what the Bible teaches about the present and future blessings for the believer. “Right now you are ‘already seated in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus’ (Ephesians 2:6). To be seated demonstrates many things amongst which are authority, completion, and regality which speaks of the excellence and majesty belonging to the King. Now class, please do not think that you are the King. However, when you trusted Christ as your Savior, you are placed in Christ, and therefore, you are positionally already spiritually present and seated in your King. The day is coming when you will be present actually with your King.” The bell rang, and it was time to pray. After the class was dismissed, Lori sat at her place at the table sobbing. We’ll pick it up right here tomorrow.

For today: Aren’t you glad for the wonderful future you have if you know the Lord as your Savior?

Though it is the first of July, we are coming up on the fourth of July holiday. Already the State Police are issuing warnings for folks to slow down and stay alert while driving. I smiled as I arrived at 2 Kings 9 and read of Jehu, King of the northern kingdom of Israel.

On one occasion, Jehu was approaching the city, the watchman wasn’t certain who it was until he observed the driving! “The driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously” (2 Kings 9:20). The word furiously is the Hebrew word is siga on (shig-gaw-YONE) and speaks of madness, wildness.

I think I have observed several modern day Jehu’s on the expressways lately. Carparison.com has an interesting article entitled “What Your Driving Style Says About You.” They list several types of drivers.
1. The Perfectionist. This driver obeys all the laws and expects others to as well.
2. The Nervous Nellie. Driving isn’t enjoyable to this person.
3. The Peacekeeper. This driver is calm and very non-confrontational.
4. The One With Zero Tolerance. This driver is goal driven and relentless.
5. The Cheerleader. This driver is encouraging and sought after for advice.
6. The Adventurer. This driver is strong willed and confident.
7. The Boss. This driver has natural-born leadership and isn’t afraid to exercise it.

I’d like to add another: It would be the gracious, wise, Godly driving of one who loves the Lord and seeks to live for Him. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

My thought for each of us: May the testimony of being a follower of Christ be evident even in our driving.

“But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

The great missionary Paul the Apostle received a very special gift from the Philippian believers. It truly blessed his life in that it not only provided for his immediate needs, it also demonstrated that he was not alone in his ministry. He had people who loved him and cared about him. He likened their love gift as a sweet-smelling fragrance to our awesome God.

This reminds me of an older missionary couple who had served the Lord all of their lives. They suddenly had a great financial need. They were committed to talking only with the Lord about this need. They knew that while there was nothing wrong with reporting needs and asking people to pray and even give, this was a personal need, and they just simply laid out their needs before the Lord. In a wonderful way the Lord laid that great need upon the heart of a well-to-do businessman. When that gift arrived, it was truly a sweet fragrance to God as well as the missionary. How about you? Are you living in a way that your life and actions produce a sweet fragrance to God?

For today: I want my life to be pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to others. How about you?