Made in Whose Image?
Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
Every Christmas, we celebrate the First Advent, or First Coming of our Lord Jesus. Obviously, there is much emphasis placed on His Virgin birth, which reveals His immense humility, to say the least. Many people sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, along with a plethora of carols. The wonderful thing about this tradition is it elevates an awareness of our Lord to humanity at large. Along with Resurrection Sunday (commonly known as Easter), it presents opportunities to share the Gospel.
Not to get lost in the various nuances of this tradition, let’s focus on how we view Him. Even though, all of us are aware He is no longer the Baby in the manger, nor is He still hanging on the Cross, each of us has an image in our mind of Who He is right now. The question is: how accurate is that image? How biblically based it?
We can embrace certain aspects of His nature, while not fully appreciating the others. We could inadvertently create in our minds a Jesus who matches our liking, but doesn’t encapsulate His true nature. The later would be far superior to anything we could conceptualize. It’s not that we desire a false Jesus; although, some do (see Romans 1:1-23). Those who do, want to create God into the image of their choosing, which means they want to be Him. Let’s leave that subject for another time.
There are some things to consider in relation to how we view Him. One, is we could limit Him in our life. God is an infinite God Whose nature is quite mind-blowing, which is an understatement. A second consideration is that we could actually limit ourselves in becoming who were meant to be, since we are to be conformed to His image. For instance, some still confuse meekness with weakness. As a result, they fail to be bold when they should be.
Remember, while on earth, Jesus called the religious leaders out, using strong language. When He found those who sold oxen, sheep and doves, along with money changers in the temple, He made a scourge of chords, and drove them out. Moreover, he poured out their coins and overturned their tables (see John 2:13-17). Does that sound weak? Of course, Jesus was gentle and compassionate. In short, He was Who He needed in every situation. If we try to pick and choose what we like, we may not be who we need to be in the moment. Of course, a key to conforming to His image is submitting to Holy Spirit.
Some Snapshots
Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is the Lamb of God, but He is also the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. While He did go to the Cross, He rose the dead in total triumph. At this moment in time, people have a choice as to whether they will bow their knees before Him, and confess He is Lord. However, either in death or when He returns, none will have a choice in the matter. They will bow and confess He is Lord to the glory of the Father! Period! End of discussion. In fact, there will be no discussion.
By the way, it is better to meet Jesus as the Lamb of God and receive His forgiveness, before meeting Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah!
Revelation 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Because He is both the Lamb Who takes away the sins of the world, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, we have cause to rejoice!
Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
