Bible Reading: Philippians 2:6-7
What would have happened if Jesus had demanded His rights?
Jesus had the right to stay as far away from our sin and evil as possible. Jesus had
the right to call on all of the power of God to rescue Him from the hands of His persecutors and executors. Jesus had the right to live peacefully in the comfort and luxury of heaven forever. Jesus had the right to be called King and Lord and God.
Jesus gave up all of His rights to be beaten and ridiculed. Philippians 2: 6 & 7 say, “Who [Jesus], 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.” Jesus gave up all of His rights to die like a criminal. He gave up all of his rights to suffer pain and anguish and humiliation for you and me. Jesus gave up all of His rights to give us what is rightfully His: life in heaven and the ability to rule side-by-side with Him, King Jesus, for all eternity, instead of what we rightfully deserve.
If Jesus had given us our “rights” – what we rightfully deserve – we would spend all eternity in hell separated from God forever.
Do you still want to demand your rights from God?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I set aside my selfishness to give You the praise and honor that are rightfully Yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.