January 29 - Our Divine Redeemer

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. – Philippians 2:6 (KJV)

Jesus Christ, though existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, recognizing that only divinity could remedy the poisonous wound of sin, God Himself, in the person of His only begotten Son, took on human nature. In the frailty of humanity, Christ upheld the character of God, fully vindicating His holy law. He bore the wrath and penalty of sin for the sake of humanity. What an astonishing thought! The One who was with the Father before the world began had such compassion for a fallen and ruined world that He gave His life as a ransom for it. The One who was the brightness of the Father’s glory and the express image of His person carried our sins in His own body on the cross, enduring the full penalty of human transgression. In doing so, justice was satisfied, requiring nothing further. How immense is the redemption provided for us! The Son of God endured the cruel death of the cross to bring us life and immortality through faith in Him.

This profound mystery—how God can remain just while justifying sinners—is beyond human comprehension. When we try to grasp it, it deepens and expands beyond what our finite minds can comprehend. Yet, as we look with the eyes of faith at the cross of Calvary, we see our sins placed upon the spotless Lamb of God, hanging in weakness and shame. When we recognize that this is God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, we are moved to exclaim, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” (1 John 3:1, KJV).

When we come to understand the exalted character of the Lord of Hosts and discern the vast difference between the infinite God and finite humanity, we begin to grasp the magnitude of Heaven’s sacrifice. The Son of God humbled Himself to lift humanity from the depths of disobedience and restore us to the family of God. Christ’s divinity is our assurance of eternal life. He, the bearer of the world’s sins, is our sole Mediator, reconciling us to a holy God.

May we contemplate the greatness of this sacrifice and live in gratitude, knowing that through Christ, we are brought near to God and offered the gift of eternal life.