Unfair

By Sandy Mayle

“Know your rights.” 

“Demand your rights.” 

“Enjoy your rights.” 

This is the message of the culture around us. But consider Jesus. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us, 

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (New Living Translation). 

Jesus did not demand his rights. He did not hold on to what was fair, but became three unspeakably unfair things for us. 

First, although even the skies could not contain him, he became nothing. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17, New International Version). Yet he allowed himself to be made microscopic in a virgin’s womb, to be made a servant, to be made nothing so that we could become children of God. 

Second, although he owned everything, he became poor. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthianw 8:9). He laid aside everything that was rightfully his so that we who are rightfully beggars could become princes and princesses, children of the King. 

Third, although he was pure, he became sin. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was made sin in order to become our salvation. 

And because he humbled himself, “Therefore God has exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). 

As we take this bread and drink this cup, let us exalt him to the highest place in our hearts and lives today. 

Sandy Mayle is a freelance writer who lives in Erie, Pennsylvania. 

Author: Christian Standard

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