More from Phil Drysdale
Here’s a really interesting and profound set of ideas from the brilliant Phil Drysdale.
Do you ever stop to ponder the fact that God became a man?
We all know that when Jesus became a man He was still “fully God.”
But that makes me think…
Was Jesus in all places at once?
(No, He had to travel around and was limited to one body.)
Was Jesus all knowing?
(No: “Who touched Me?” “Only My Father knows the day”)
Was Jesus able to do all things?
(No: “He could only do a few miracles because of their unbelief” “Not My will but Yours, Father”)
The simple fact is Jesus gave up some huge things in becoming a man.
Now I’m not saying that God is not everywhere or He’s not all knowing or that He can’t do all things.
What I am saying is that if Jesus was fully God while on Earth then these things are not what make Him God.
Does God know all things? Sure. But apparently it is not required for Him to be God.
In the same way being all powerful and present everywhere are things God is capable of. But they are apparently not required for Him to be God.
It’s a huge thought. (And you are free to disagree as I’m sure many will. )
If Jesus was still fully God then you have to ask what attributes does God truly care about? What are the non-negotiable God-like qualities that He considers makes Him God?
I think we see them in the fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus doesn’t compromise on any of these attributes when He becomes man.
God is love. God is joyful. God is peaceful. God is patient. God is kind. God is good. God is faithful. God is gentle and God is self-control.
Why do we worship God?
Is it because He knows all things? Or because He is good?
Is it because He is all powerful? Or because He is love?
Is it because He everywhere? Or because He is faithful?
Again I’m not saying God doesn’t have these incredible “omni-” qualities. I’m merely saying they are apparently things that He does not consider essential like He does love, joy, goodness, faithfulness etc.
Can you imagine being Jesus and giving up certain God-like qualities so that you could be in human flesh and do all that He did for us. Talk about humility. Talk about love! (This makes us think of Philippians 2 doesn’t it!)
So today when we consider the God who resides in us… sure we will think about him being everywhere and all powerful. But hopefully we will remember that He values something much more than those things.
They are things that we too are fully able to walk in. Love, peace, joy, patience etc.
Perhaps we are made in His image more than we know.
Now that really is excellent. Ponder it; soak in it; build it in to your ways of thinking if it jives with you.
Be blessed!