“So That You By His Poverty Might Become Rich.”
Today’s Bible Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
As we look to the beginning of the Advent season, our verse from 2nd Corinthians encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message. It speaks of a love so profound, a sacrifice so immense, that it's almost impossible for our human minds to grasp. Christ, the eternal Son of God, existing in the splendor of heaven, clothed in majesty and glory, willingly emptied Himself. He traded the riches of heaven for the poverty of earth.
Imagine leaving behind a life of unimaginable abundance to live in a world of suffering and want. This is precisely what Jesus did. He who owned everything became a man with no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). He who reigned in perfect harmony with the Father experienced the pain and brokenness of our fallen world.
Why? The answer lies in the latter part of the verse: "so that you through his poverty might become rich." His poverty purchased our salvation. His suffering paid the price for our sins. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we who were spiritually bankrupt are now heirs to the eternal riches of His grace.
This is the true meaning of Christmas. It's not just about a baby in a manger; it's about the King of kings humbling Himself to become one of us. It's about the God who became poor so that we might become rich in Him.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the immeasurable gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for His willingness to become poor so I might become rich in Him. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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