Shared Humanity

Hebrews 2:14-18

Death is repeated a few times in this passage and the idea that Christ shares in my humanity is repeated, using different words, as well. In fact, the idea that Christ shared my humanity is the key idea of this section of Hebrews. The author uses this fact to reinforce his assertion of the angels position in the creation order. While humans may be a little lower than the angels, it is to humans that Christ came to help.
The author is answering the question: Why did Christ became human? His answer: So that he might help us by breaking the power of death and serving as a high priest who makes atonement for our sins.
Right now our staff team is memorizing Philippians 2:1-16. Paul is making the same point that the author is making in this passage: Christ was made in human likeness, sharing in our humanity, and was obedient to death. I think that I have heard this so many times that I no longer give it much thought. I am no longer moved, as a I should be, by this profound truth. When I pause to meditate on it, I am brought up short. I can't move past it. It is so amazing that Christ would share in my temptations and suffering so that I could be free from death and free from sin. It is beyond thought that Christ, who is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, would die for me. Love so amazing! How can it be that Thou my God would die for me?

Did Paul Have ADD?

Ephesians 4:7-13

Paul is famous for interrupting himself and here we see he does it again - his main point is that although we are united (one Lord, one faith, one baptism...) we are unique in that Christ has given us different gifts. The reason that Christ gives us these gifts is to prepare God's people for service, to build up the body of Christ, unity, maturity and development of the full character of Christ in us.
However, he only gets part way through his point and he takes a rabbit trail (good to know I am in good company!). This time he gets distracted by the word "ascended" in his quote from Psalm 68 (which he uses with pretty shaky hermeneutics but I digress). He reminds us that if Christ ascended, it also means he descended to earth - speaking both of his incarnation and his humility. There is a movement today in Christian circles, especially in the emergent church, to minimize the trancendency of Christ. The rather emphasise the fact of his incarnation - that he lives amongst us, that he was human, that he was relevant and authentic. Paul emphasized both - he never lost sight of the fact that Christ was also raised to the highest place of honour and is seated on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Christ is not just the lowly rabbi, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the whole universe! It is my privilege to serve and follow this King. It is my absolute honour to use the grace he apportioned to me in order to build up the body of Christ.
I also can't help but notice the idea of fullness coming back twice in this passage - Christ ascended to fill the universe and the reason we have been given gifts from Christ is so that the Body may attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. I still don't completely understand what Paul is getting at but it sure seems very important to him. In my mind it again points to the incredible responsibility and work that Christ has given to the Church. It reminds me that the Church is not an institution, an organization or a building - it is the Body of Christ on earth and as such should act, speak and live only as Christ would. When the world sees the Church they should be seeing the fullness of Jesus.