the mystery of Jesus Christ

Good afternoon,

"  Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

          who, though he was in the form of God,

          did not regard equality with God,

          as something to be exploited

  But, emptied himself,

          taking the form of a slave

          being born in human likeness

 And being found in human form,

          he humbled himself

          and became obedient to the point of death

          even on a cross.

Therefore, God also highly exalted him

          and gave him the name

          that is above every other name,

   so that the name of Jesus,

          every knee should bend,

          in heaven and on earth , and under the earth,

          and every tongue should confess,

          that Jesus Christ is Lord

          to the glory of God the Father. '         Philippians 2: 5-11 ( NIV )

This part of the letter to the people of Philippi is seen as an early creed or statement of faith for the Church. It might have been set to music. It might have been a chant led by the church leaders. As the church became an institution, this might have been what they asked the believers to say as they were baptized.

The song/creed invites us to think about the nature of Jesus Christ. It is both the humanity and divinity ideas about who Jesus is. This has divided the church. When I visited the Orthodox churches in Georgia, Greece and Turkey, the divinity nature of Christ is emphasized by the icons in the church. In the Mennonite church, we have looked to the humanity of Jesus to enlighten our faith. Both are important to understanding Jesus Christ. But, to be both human and divine is a mystery for us to believe in. The  mystery can never be fully explained, only believed.

As we have just celebrated Easter, what part of the nature of our Saviour is most important to you ? Jesus' walk to the cross, or the empty tomb of the Christ ? If you identify with one nature of Jesus, think about the other nature of Jesus. What other things of your faith might you include in your creed ?

This was one of our favourite books to read to the kids. It is a statement of faith in family ( and faith in Christ ? ).

I'll love you forever,

I'll  like you for always,

As long as I'm living,

My baby you'll be.          ——– from Robert Munsch in  I'll Love You Forever .

Life and faith in our journey.

Fred

Tread on bold new paths !

Fireflies flash the direction

"Hope springs eternal" .                      Monika Pieper Landoni 2020