The law of downward nobility

Hi guys – a short “thought starter to go!” I’m still in the process of settling and sorting post holiday. What I’ve got below helps me see where I’m coming from, where God is coming from, and where the voices that tempt us come from.

It is interesting to reflect on the Isaiah account of Satan’s fall in heaven before Adam and Eve. Isaiah 14: 13-14

You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly on the heights of Zaphon, I will ascend to the tops of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High”.

Just as interesting to see the “hooker” that the Fallen One used to get through the defenses of Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:5

“…you will be like God…”

Ever after, as water flowing from the same polluted spring, the children of Adam and Eve have been placing self at the centre of their lives. There is an inevitability about it. That’s what pride is – and even feeling sorry for yourself is putting self at the centre.

So it’s interesting to think about, and digest, God’s own solution to this utter distortion of his purposes (and of human hearts too!). Philippians 2: 5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
Therefore God 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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The sin of all sins comes from reaching upwards – which is rebellion, untrust, unbelief. It is wanting to be powerful!

The salvation which is the only salvation that works begins with the eternal Son reaching down – even unto death – our death. It has authority by remaining under authority.

So what’s life? Above all Christ Jesus is our Life!

And then? We reach downwards too – “Have this mind among yourselves” – And nothing disempowers the powers of evil as powerfully as lives that take up the Cross and follow Jesus! That’s the Law of downward nobility.

Bless you till I get functional again.

- Pastor Fred