He loved to the point of death
and in death, made the reality
of His love known,
so that we might have life,
knowing that His death and His life
is what makes it possible
for us to love
to the point of death,
which is the only way to truly live.
As the altar was stripped, and the red fabric was torn from the cross hanging at the pinnacle of the sanctuary, I couldn't help but realize that Jesus was stripped, naked, exposed for everyone to see...and that was His plan. Over and over again, in the darkness and stark reality of the moment, I kept thinking to myself "love to the point of death." How much love it takes to be exposed fully for everything you are, be the only one who's blameless and sees reality, and love those who reject you to the point of death. My reaction was tears and confession followed by prayer and a desire to know the God that loves me, so that I too may bleed His love to the point of death. What a privilege to have that calling, and what great and amazing life that brings - the Gospel truly is the best news.
The essence of this scripture is what was preached on tonight - I have loved this passage ever since God taught it to my heart as I memorized it for a summer job I had. It is truth, and it speaks beyond my mere words.
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete
by being like-minded, having the same love, being one
in spirit and purpose.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
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.
Philippians 2: 1-11
