October 24

     “In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. "Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim.

     "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him."                                     Isaiah 53:5

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. "With His stripes we are healed."

          Desire of Ages, page 25  from the chapter, 'God with us'

     Jesus found himself telling the story of the Samaritan man who had stopped to help an injured traveller. Perhaps the story had recently been told in town, people had heard the story from the inn-keeper, Jesus now gave it a new twist by putting his audience at the heart of the story. His teaching was this, “if you find yourself in the position where someone is in need – make sure that you help that person.”

     Add that to our reading for today. If you have to help and it means going out of your way, or potentially demeaning yourself – do it.

     The Sadducees and Pharisees were good at telling people what to do but not good at doing themselves those tasks they expected of others. Jesus didn’t just talk, He lived out the life. He started in heaven, a plan was formed, Jesus lowered himself – admittedly on a little lower than the angels – but He chose to take on the life of a normal human being – and then served to the most extreme level.

     Is there someone you and your prayer partner have a concern about? Is there something you are impressed to do – that might even mean you have to step out of your way to do? Please do it – knowing that God gives you everything you need for both life and godliness.