The measure of mercy

You were not redeemed with corruptible things, . . . but with the precious blood of Christ.       — 1 Peter 1:18-19

 What is the distance from God’s throne of splendor down to the abyss of Calvary’s cross? What is the measure of the Savior’s love for us? In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he described Jesus’ descent from the heights of glory to the depths of shame and agony and back again (2:5-11).

Christ is the eternal Creator and Lord of all existence, exalted infinitely above earth’s foulness and decay. He is the source of life, with myriads of angels to sing His praises and do His bidding. Yet, motivated by love for our lost human race. “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (v. 8). He came to our puny planet, was born in a cave-like barn with its smells and filth, and was placed as a helpless baby in a feeding trough.

When He grew to manhood, He endured homelessness (Matt. 8:20). Thirsty, He asked an adulteress for water (John 4:7-9). Weary, He fell asleep in a boat on a storm-tossed sea (Mark 4:37-38). Sinless, He was adored by the multitudes one day (Matt. 2:9), and then condemned as a criminal and died on a Roman cross in excruciating pain.

That’s the distance from God’s throne down to Calvary! That’s the measure of His mercy and grace! — Vernon Grounds

O the love that drew salvation’s plan!

O the grace that brought it down to man!

O the mighty gulf that God did span

At Calvary. — Newell

READ: Philippians 2:5-11

God broke into human history to offer us the eternal gift of salvation.

The Bible in one year:

• Judges 4-6

• Luke 4:31-44