[Christ]
humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. Philippians 2:8
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon. It was an unprecedented human
achievement. Millions remember the words of Neil Armstrong: "That's one small step
for man, one giant leap for mankind." President Nixon declared, "All humanity is
one in their pride."
Two thousand years earlier, the Creator of the moon made a giant leap of a vastly
different kind. He descended from heaven to earth (Philippians 2:5-8). God the Son, the
eternal Word (John 1:1,14), stepped down from heaven to become fully human, while
remaining fully God. It was an amazing "leap," which showed us God's heart of
love. He became one of us so that He could die on the cross to pay the penalty for our
sins. By trusting Him as our Savior, we are forgiven. We also receive His Spirit, who
enables us to overcome selfish ambition and conceit, and to care for others (Philippians
2:3-4).
A leap into space may unite mankind in the pride of achievement, but it pales in
comparison with what God accomplished when Jesus came from heaven to earth. He now unites
all who trust Him, producing in them a growing humility and love that replaces selfishness
and pride. Going to the moon is nothing compared to that.
-DJD
Jesus our Savior left heaven above,
Came down to earth with a message of love;
Took on Himself all our sin and our shame,
Now life eternal is ours through His Name.
-Hess
Christ was born here below that we might be born from above.