For Jesus, the formula for saving grace was tough! graciousness + faithfulness + sacrifice + suffering = True Glory Yes, salvation’s math doesn’t make much human sense in our selfish, self-promoting world. However, from the perspective of faith, salvation’s math is powerful wisdom. Jesus came to our world because of God’s graciousness. Jesus was faithful and left heaven to face the hardships of humanity. The Lord was willing to sacrifice himself to serve all humanity, even though it required his suffering and humiliation on the cross. Because he faithfully lived salvation’s math, the Father crowned the Son with all glory and honor, which has been rightfully his since before creation. The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage (Philippians 2:5-11) that God doesn’t forget our sacrifices, hardships, persecutions, or service. He honors them with his pleasure and glory because people who choose this way walk the path of their Lord, Jesus, as they live with others.
Holy Father and Lord God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, my Savior and Lord. I surrender my heart and want to have no rival to the lordship of your Son in my life. I want to serve and bless his disciples as he served and blessed me. I want to live my life passionately, as I seek to reach the lost people of my world. Continue to mold my heart and mind to be more like Jesus. I pray this to honor him in thought, word, and deed. Amen.
