Head-on Into Grace
by Teresa Emery

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross.  Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2: 5-11

A few months ago, I was involved in an automobile accident which could have caused death or serious injury.  As it was, neither driver was injured, only the cars were seriously hurt.  I have re-run the accident in my head many times since then.  I could "see" what was going to happen, and knew that if I did not take action to avoid it, I was driving into a head-on crash that was in no way my fault.  I did take action, and harm to myself was averted.  I know God was with me then.  He and I were both looking out for me.

Jesus knew He was headed for death, a painful death.  Unlike me, He chose not to take any action at all to avoid it, though I must suppose that, being fully human, He was frightened.  He went into it not only expecting the worst, but also knowing the worst, and yet did not flinch when the time came.  He went in my place to death on the cross, facing my sin and taking it head-on.  God was looking out for me, before I was even born!

We can never say thank you enough for the choice He made to save us.  We can worship and give thanks and praise at every opportunity.  God loves us, and like a parent, never tires of hearing us tell Him how much we love Him.

Gracious and loving God, You do not turn aside but take on the worst of who we are and what we do.  Help us to offer You instead our best. Thank You for loving us and for sending Your Son to bear the burden and take the punishment for our sin, so that we may be closer to You.  We give to You all that we have and all that we are, in prayer, in song, and in praise.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.