The Son of Man

If someone asked you who you were what would you say?  How would you describe yourself? A mother, a surgeon, a songwriter, a brother...maybe a kind person, a diligent worker, an entrepreneur, or an optimistic encourager?   Mostly good though right?    We all, weather we realize it or not, when given the chance talk ourselves up.  Make ourselves sound better then we are.   describe ourselves in a way that leaves people thinking about our good qualities and not our bad.   Just think about the last time you filled out a resume....you point out all of your strengths and abilities, even if they are not relevant to the job you are applying to because it makes you look more competent, intelligent and ultimately more qualified for the job.     Recently I was reading the book of Luke.  I came across a verse in chapter 5 that stuck out to me.   In Luke 5:24 Jesus says "But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins".    I was instantly struck by the title He gave Himself "Son of Man".   Throughout the new testament He has many names given to Him by His disciples and those who loved and followed Him.   He even asks Peter "who do you say I am?"  "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" is He replies.    but Jesus, uses this name "Son of Man" more then any other title for Himself, 30 times in Matthew alone.  It is thought to be in reference to Daniel 7 where it says "Behold, one like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven!".  And while there is certainly intentionality there, I can't help but think, Jesus did not have to use that designation so many times.     Surely once or twice would have gotten the point across , but instead He used it most often.    We know that Jesus is the humble King.   Come down from heaven, as man and God, to take on the sins of the world, dying in the most horrific, humiliating way for us.   He could have spent His time talking Himself up, reminding us of His All God ness.   His power and authority certainly earned the title, Son of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, All Mighty Savior.    He chose instead to remind us of His humanness.    To relate to us with a name that pointed out that He is All Man.   The tremendous amount of humility...the tremendous amount of grace for our humanness it must have taken.   An example like none other of obedience without self seeking.    And while this doesn't mean we should start signing our resumes with "Bad at math" or "loves chocolate too much" It should make us stand that much more in awe of the One who Saves us.   He already died for us, and has already made a way for us to be with Him in eternity, but the more I learn of His character, of His heart for us, the more I realize His humility, and sacrifice deserves our all and our everything.

Call Me Higher

For the last few weeks I have had the song Called Me Higher (By All Sons and Daughters) stuck in my head.   The chosen words are so simple and yet so poignant:
"You have called me higher, You have called me deeper, and I'll go where you lead me Lord"

Over and over in my head those words echoed.   Over and over I thought "Yes Lord, I really mean that, I will go where you lead me, wherever you lead, however you lead".   And truly I meant it.    Over the last few weeks a number of opportunities have come my way, and I found myself, without even thinking, picking through them, deciding which ones I wanted to do and which ones would be too hard, or too late, or not "right" for me.    And then I heard it.... The tender voice of the Lord gently remind me...."You said you would go wherever I lead you".     I realized in that moment that while I do have to maintain balance in my life with my family and work and responsibilities, my motive many times were not really for the Lord but more about me.    Isn't His grace amazing!   That even in our weakness He is faithful and good?

I have been reading through the book of Luke recently and noticed a few things I had never really noticed, or maybe payed attention to before.    The first thing I noticed was the greeting from the Angel.  His very first words to her, his greeting and introduction was "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
She was highly favored, I can't imagine the things that must have been going through her mind in those few moments.   The confusion, the honor, the fear....  Chosen to be the Mother of the Savior of the world.   That's a big job, but as I sat thinking about her, it made me realize, she was favored and chosen for a reason.   She was already walking with the Lord, and her relationship with God was so solid, so deep, that after the angel finished explaining everything to her, her response was simply "I am the Lord's servant, May your word to me be fulfilled".   No arguments, no excuses, no complaints.    And while this news was wonderful and meant hope for all mankind, there was still a tremendous amount of sacrifice, pain, sorrow, and fear waiting ahead for her.    She did not hesitate to accept the unknown, knowing that she was called by her Father for this beautiful role.    Her song in Luke chapter 1 says it all...

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

Our calling may not be as big as Mary's but we don't always get to choose.   If we are willing then we need to be willing no matter how unglamorous or inconvenient it may be.   If our desire, like Mary, is for the Lord's will to be done and His name to be glorified, then we have to trust His plan above our own....allow Him to use us however He chooses, and be willing to go wherever He leads us

.   May we have a heart willing to say yes without question, to know His ways are bigger then our ways, and to remain in a state where we can see beyond any inconvenience and sacrifice, to go where He Calls Us Higher.