Our Daily Bread: Lead Like the ShepherdSample

Amazing Love

He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. -Philippians 2:7

Before the days of the Caesars, Rome faced a crisis when hostile forces surrounded a Roman army. Who could lead them through the trouble?

The people called for Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (born about 519 BC) to navigate them through those troubled times.

He left his farm and plow and assumed absolute dictatorship of the nation until the victory had been won sixteen days later. Then, at the conclusion of the crisis, Cincinnatus relinquished all claims to that power and returned to his farm.

In a very different but eternally significant way, Jesus didn’t cling to His royal position, power, or authority in heaven.

Paul wrote that Jesus, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus was so committed to our rescue that He went even further, enduring “a criminal’s death on a cross” (v. 8).

The most powerful One of all surrendered His rights and privileges to suffer and die for you and me.

In appreciation as believers in Him, we can follow His example by serving others. Imitating our leader Jesus, we can use whatever position and power we have humbly, wisely, and lovingly.

Bill Crowder

How are you tempted when you have power over others? Following the example of Jesus, what’s the appropriate way to handle power?

I thank You, Father, that though Jesus was worthy of the highest place, He humbled Himself to take my place.