“Under the Radar”

    The longer we walk with God through the Lord Jesus Christ and the better we know Him, the more His character of humility manifests itself in our hearts and lives.

    "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who… made Himself of no reputation" (Philippians 2:5-6; 7).

     Consider that the Lord Jesus lived most of His life in such a manner that when His ministry began at the age of 30, His own brothers did not know who He was (John 7:5).  One episode, at the age of 12, depicts the Savior in full awareness of His Person and purpose, and in readiness to affirm His identity (Luke 2:46-49).  Joseph and Mary's concern, however, caused the young Jesus to sense the Holy Spirit's restraint.  Thus, He subjected Himself to a continued and faithful life under the radar, as it were, for another 18 years (Luke 2:51-52).

    Even during His three years of ministry, the Lord Jesus constantly deferred to the glory and reputation of His Father.  "My Father is greater than I… The Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works… I honor My Father" (John 14:28; 14:10; 8:49).  Note the wondrous truth that the only human being who ever genuinely had something of which to be proud, wasn't.  Our Lord, the second Person of the triune God, is worthy of all affirmation, adoration, and accolade - "All men should honor the Son" (John 5:23).  He lived His earthly life, however, in complete dependence on His Father, as empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  The Lord Jesus therefore directed all credit for His sublime character and life away from Himself, again, making Himself of "no reputation."  

    I find this aspect of the Lord Jesus to be the most sanctifying reality of His character and life.  It says infinitely much about who He was, who He is, and who He would have us to be - "Let this mind be in you…"  Indeed, the Spirit of Christ dwells within born again believers to deliver us from the reputation seeking ugliness of our flesh, as influenced by devilish and worldly entities.   Knowing our Lord better thus reveals to us "the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness" that consitutes our born again spiritual selfhood in Christ (Ephesians 4:24).  Created in righteousness, this new person affirms the Lord Jesus alone as our Justifier and justifcation.  Created in true holiness, this new person recognizes that he belongs to the purposes, will, and honor of Another.  "He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again" (II Corinthians 5:15).  Remembering the character of Christ, and affirming that such character dwells within us by His Spirit, leads to a corresponding under the radar life of growing likeness to His humble heart and image…

"Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

(II Corinthians 3:18)

"Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory for Thy mercy and for Thy truth's sake."

(Psalm 115:1)

"Hearken unto Me now therefore, o ye children, and attend to the words of My mouth."

(Proverbs 7:24)