Philippians 2:5-11 AMPC
Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] [6] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, [7] But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. [8] And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! [9] Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, [10] That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The news has been dominated, in the last few days, about how Prince Andrew has been stripped of his royal title and all his military ranks. He now must fight his court case as a private citizen.
How humiliating for him to be summoned to the queen, his mother (reputedly her very favourite son) to be told he is no longer part of the official royal family.
Compare that with Jesus, the only Son of the Father, who voluntarily laid aside all the trappings of deity, and humbled Himself.
The One who had enjoyed the pinnacle of adoration and worship in Heaven, stripped Himself of those privileges, to become an embryo, a foetus in Mary's womb, relying on her frail humanity for 9 months.
He, of His own free will, put Himself through the ignominy of a manger birth.
He was exposed to the shame of illegitimacy, growing up in Nazareth - people thought He was the product of intimacy outside of marriage - terrible slur in those days.
Yet He didn't cling to the trappings of His Heavenly origins.
As if that wasn't enough, He went still further - laying down His life on our behalf - taking our death penalty Himself.
We hear so much about human rights in this day and age, but what rights do we really have before God?
No, He calls us to learn of Him - who is gentle and humble of heart.
Matthew 11:29 AMPC
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ( relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
Being humble and gentle will end the clamour of "me, me, ME" in our inmost beings.
Is it time to volunteer and lay aside a bit more of "me" and find rest in Jesus?
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