Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
On this Easter Saturday it is very easy for us to look forward in anticipation to tomorrow when we’ll join with our brothers and sisters all over the world to celebrate the resurrection. What a glorious gospel we have!
But let us take a moment to look back at yesterday once again.
Did you see him carrying his cross to Calvary? Did you see him praying, caring, loving, saving us? Did you see him as he silently endured the mocking of the onlookers?
Did you see him as he cried out ‘My God, My God why have you forsaken me?’ The perfect relationship shattered as he hung there in utter darkness and hopelessness. His death and suffering the price of our salvation.
How then shall we respond? What can we give to show our gratitude, love and praise?
Let us foster the same mindset in our own lives, let us give ourselves fully, totally and utterly for the One who gave everything for us. We need to live out Paul’s appeal to the Christians in Rome:
by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
As Christians we should be shining lights to the glory of God in our communities and churches. Let us live gladly and not count the cost as we give of ourselves for others. Let us care and love with the burning passion of Christ – we will never be able to do this by our own strength, but we can do anything through Him who strengthens us. Let’s be like our master!
Steffan Job, Capel y Ffynnon