THE MEEKNESS OF CHRIST

Devotion #10 of 13

"I am meek and lowly in heart" -- Jesus

BESEECHING BY THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST A strong appeal

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you. " (2 Cor 10:1. If ever there was a non- worldly approach to correction, this is it!

Although a heavenly prince, Paul does not resort to "Apostolic authority" to correct the wayward path of the Corinthians. Rather, he summons them to a consideration of Christ's accessibility! You cannot duly consider Jesus humbling Himself without being attracted to Him. What is more, you cannot come to Him without leaving the world behind-- and that is precisely Paul's point! He has been urging the Corinthians to follow through with their commitment to minister to the needs of poorer saints. Although He could "command" them to fulfill their resolve, he appeals to their hearts.

Humility prompted action

Jesus not only determined to come to earth, He came! He not only determined to die, He died! He not only received a mandate from the Father, He fulfilled it! And why did He do so? Was it out of a sense of mere obligation? I will tell you now, we could not be saved out of a sense of obligation! Our condition required a WILLING Savior! A FERVENT Savior! An EAGER and expectant Savior! That is why Jesus "humbled Himself" -- He WANTED to do so! He placed His advantages aside so we might gain eternal advantage! He was "meek and lowly in heart."

Do not miss the power of Paul's approach (it was really heaven's approach). When Christ's willing accessibility is considered by believers, they will tend to do what is right! Among other things, that accentuates the power of the Gospel!

-- TOMORROW: CONFESSING AND BELIEVING -- -- MONDAY: YOU SHALL FIND REST --