Becoming NOthing

"The WORD became flesh

and made His dwelling among us."

"But [He] made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-

even death on a cross!"

Easter is just around the corner, and thoughts of its meaning and purpose fill my mind as of late. Funny how all holidays that were religiously (as in regularly) celebrated by me in America have taken on a different form and meaning since coming here. Let me share with you some of my thoughts in regards to Easter for this year!

Lately, when I am walking through my city, I am noticing the destitute a lot more than normal. Those who are digging through the dumpster (very common here), children that are put on the street to beg by their parents, the man who has a very ill-kept horse attached to a piece of wood on wheels to carry his things through town...Oh the list is so long! I am not noticing them in the way of merely observing- that can't be helped. It is more of an "incarnational" way. Let me explain: Would I be willing to become like them in order for the Truth in my heart to be Truth in their heart? Would I give up my status, position as a revered foreigner to live amongst them? How about the nice food I partake each day? What about the clothes that protect my body and also contribute to my status?

What is Truth to me if I don't buy fully into it? Is it really Truth if I don't sell out for it? How important can something be if we aren't willing to make sacrifices for it? You know, that is what Easter is all about. A celebration of the fact that Christ gave up status, position, glory, etc. (more than can be imagined) and eventually His very life...for Truth! That Truth is that He loves me, He loves you, and He very much loves the old man that walks down the street stopping at each trash pile along the way. That Truth is that He desires a restored relationship with me, a restored relationship with you, and one with the woman who isn't allowed to leave her home and has no relationships of any worth in her life. The Truth that He offers hope to me, hope to you, and hope that He is returning for the sick child that has been dying since the day it was born with a disease ridden body.

He rose from the dead to conquer not just physical death, but so much more the spiritual death. The deadness that I see in the eyes of the people that haunt the coffee shops, that shop the stores, that pass me on the road...Life is at hand! Life is inside my chest! He rose- what Truth to behold! But will I share it today? Or will I place it on the shelf of my mind; valuing the sacrifice too steep to be worth making?

The choices are ours each day- here or wherever you are!

May your Easter be full of Him... Happy Easter Everyone!