Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.
News of the Covid-19 infection worldwide floods our media everyday. Even with the hope of vaccines, the effects of this pandemic continue to unfold in various areas in human lives and human society. All of us experience some degrees of being stripped of something – convenience, comfort, social interaction, manner of worship we are used to, studies, travels, etc, etc… For some, even their essential basic supplies. Being “stripped off” is certainly very uncomfortable and put pressure on our spirits, souls and bodies.
Paul spoke of Jesus coming into the world involves “stripping off” as well. In fact, it went as far as the Son of God having “emptied Himself”. Sometimes for God to execute His perfect will in us, he needs to first strip off something from us, empty us from all other forms of security outside Himself. Only then, we could be elevated to a place where His perfect will is manifest in us.
Matt Redman in his song Heart of worship, wrote:
Verse:
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart
Chorus:
I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You
It’s all about You, Jesus
If you feel some forms of stripping away or emptying in your lives during this time, come to Jesus. Take heart. For the Lord is emptying you, so that He can fill you up with His best! He is preparing you for greater things ahead!