January 30 - The Wonder of Divine Humility

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7 (KJV).

It is essential for each one of us to seek an understanding of why Christ lived among humanity and what this means for us—why the Son of God left the courts of heaven, why He descended from His position as Commander of the heavenly hosts, whom He directed at His word, and why He clothed His divinity with humanity, coming to the world in humility as our Redeemer.

It was a wonder to the celestial armies to see Christ come to earth and take such a path—to witness His life in poverty, standing in stark contrast to the majesty of His former glory. He could have arrived in power, attended by a host of angels, yet He chose the lowly way.

Before the entire universe, Christ willingly assumed human nature and lived among the humble of this world so that He could reach them where they were. Through both word and example, He taught that even in the midst of hardship and oppression, one can remain pure, truthful, and noble. He came to demonstrate that character and integrity need not be tainted by poverty or the trials of a lowly position.

The lily that blossoms upon the lake may be surrounded by debris and mire, yet it opens its pure and fragrant petals to the sun, untainted by its surroundings. Its slender stem pierces through the mass of decay, reaching deep to find nourishment in the pure sand below. Rejecting all that could defile it, the lily absorbs only what will contribute to its pristine beauty and fragrance.

This lily is a representation of Christ among men. He entered a world scarred and stained by sin’s curse, yet He remained undefiled by His surroundings. He was the Light, the Life, and the Way. He chose to dwell among men so that He might embrace the world in His arms of mercy and lay it before His Father in heaven. What immeasurable love is revealed in this sacrifice—that the Lord Himself would come to the aid of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam!