Some people wear a cross as a piece of jewelry, while others hang one inside their car. For many it is only a religious symbol. However the cross is far more than that! It is central to all God has done for us. The cross is ‘the power of God for everyone who believes.’
In Philippians 2:6-11 there is a beautiful hymn about Jesus, that was possibly sung by the early church.
Verse 8 reads: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.” This verse speaks of three things: humility, obedience and death. Let’s look at the first in this devotional – ‘he humbled himself’.
It’s hard to comprehend that God, the Creator, humbled himself and became like a man. We can’t choose where we are born, or how we die. Jesus did! He chose to be born in a stable, not a palace. He chose not to defend himself as he stood before Pilate. He chose to die in a shameful way. The cross speaks of humility.
Through humility Jesus overcame Satan. Satan’s downfall was pride. Jesus overcame him, not by pride, but by the opposite spirit, the spirit of humility. Jesus says to all who choose to follow him, “Take up your cross and follow me.” This is how we too will overcome, by walking in humility. As Paul wrote, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
