Deliberate Choices Jesus Made – 1
. . . OF NO REPUTATION
“Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2: 6-8
He made Himself nothing; He emptied Himself. This is the quiet wisdom you must learn all the time.
There is a subtle reputation that accrues to a man, once God begins to lift him up for His Church to see. It builds up gradually. It forms an aura around him. It seeks to become his own identity. It ascribes him a status and hence makes him a statue . . . It seeks to place him somewhere in a position high up. People are too eager to pronounce that reputation and sing about it. But that is the subtle pit into which many have fallen and become discarded.
Reputation will surely build up around you — among men and even the brethren, but Jesus deliberately, constantly, repeatedly and promptly made Himself of no reputation. He emptied it out; poured it out as a libation to God. People spoke highly of Him, but mistook Him for another when they saw Him.
He refused to grab the public ovation by walking in obscurity. He avoided large gatherings where His fame could be fanned into flame. He walked unnoticed among men. He did menial things and kept company with ordinary folks. Lazarus was a friend, Zacchaeus was a friend, His disciples were ordinary men too. Children had access to Him; He picked up kids and played and prayed with them.
You must learn wisdom from His lifestyle.
This is the keyword: “He made Himself.” Otherwise, people were eager to crown Him, put Him up there, carry Him shoulder-high and talk highly of Him everywhere. Though legitimately His, He made Himself of no reputation.
Do not misunderstand this! It is normal for people to do these things to you. They will honour you in the way they think best. They will lay down their backs for you to ride upon. They will bow their heads as a sign of honour. They will avoid any insult to your person. You may not, like Jesus, even make any demand for the honour. He never sought honour from men, yet, they sang about Him. But, when they have done all they want, it is your own personal choice and duty to make yourself of no reputation.
May the Lord hep you.
