For Our Benefit!

A wealthy man, questioned regarding the source of his success, responded, “I owe it all to determination, good planning, hard work, and the one million dollars I inherited from my uncle.”

We may enjoy “rags to riches” stories of how individuals were able to move from poverty to wealth through strong will and perseverance. Then there are the sad stories of those who have gone from riches to rags. However, there is the story of one who willingly went from riches to poverty for our benefit.

As Paul encouraged the Corinthian brethren to give generously with regard to the collection for needy saints in Judea, he pointed to the most generous one whoever walked the face of this earth.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that THOUGH HE WAS RICH, yet for your sake HE BECAME POOR, SO THAT YOU BY HIS POVERTY MIGHT BECOME RICH.” ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV)

Even to benefit others, there is usually only so much people are willing to give up for others. But when Jesus came to earth, taking on the flesh of humanity, He “made himself nothing” ( Philippians 2:7) or rather (as the Greek more literally reads), He “emptied” Himself. Do we have a genuine sense of appreciation for what Jesus gave up in order to ENRICH us with every spiritual blessing that is ours in Him? ( Ephesians 1:3) Jesus gave up the glories of heaven to come where He had no place to call his own. ( Matthew 8:20) He, once exalted on high, humbly submitted to death on a cross. ( Philippians 2:8) The creator of life ( John 1:3) and provider of eternal life, gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to ENRICH our lives. Jesus emptied Himself to lavish upon us the immeasurable riches of His grace. ( Ephesians 1:7-8; 2:7)

From riches to poverty so that we could go from poverty to being richly blessed. What an awesome Savior we have. But that is not all there is to this story. Lord willing we shall note the rest of the story tomorrow.

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE WEALTH WE HAVE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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