Lift Your Head Up

When we think of being Christlike there is a tendency to think it being something we make ourselves do and not reflecting who Christ is, and who is in us.  As Ken Sande writes, “There is more to being like Jesus than simply recognizing weaknesses and confessing sin.”  When Christ Jesus came in human form he lived in the midst of our afflictions, but is that a reflection weakness?  What we forget is that Jesus was with us “in the appearance of a man,” he was incarnate, God revealed in human flesh and, yet, the fullness of God’s love, power, grace, and presence came among us.   

He had power, but yielded love and mercy. He raised the dead. He healed the crippled. He healed the sick, a woman with blood issues, and leapers.  He had power over life and death.

As for sin, he recognized it, yet was not subject to it. He was in the midst of a sinful world, but Jesus was without sin – that is how He was able to deliver righteousness to us, there is no other way. He had power sin and the father of lies and the liar’s demons. Jesus, in human “weakness,” warned Satan of twisting God’s word into temptation, rejecting the devil. Jesus had the power to cast demons out of people they had possessed. 

 

Where was there a reason for shame and where was weakness? Not to be found.  Only good, truth, and righteousness was with him in power.  So, was he weak and hanging his head in shame. I don’t think so.  Christ Jesus’ power reigned in humility and power. 

What did or does God give you when confessing Christ and following Jesus? He has justified us, making us righteous.  His Spirit has empowered you.

 

Lift Your Head Up,

Owen <><     

 

Following are a few verses given in order of above devotional, there are many more you can find:  Philippians 2:6-7; Hebrews 4:15; John 10:7, 14: Matthew 4:1-1; 1Matthew 1:34, 39; Romans 8:9-15, Galatians 4:6