Friday, April 21, 2006

Emptied and Filled

Christ Jesus ... emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

Philippians 2: 5-7, NRSV


"St. Paul's description of Jesus, "emptied himself," is often cited as the center point in the work of Incarnation, the making of our salvation.

Emptying is prelude to filling. The Son of God empties himself of prerogative, of divine rights, of status and reputation, on order to be the one whom God uses to fill up creation and creatures with the glory of salvation. A bucket, no matter what wonderful things it contains, is of no use for the next task until it is emptied."

The Contemplative Pastor

Emptied and Filled, God's Message for Each Day by Eugene Peterson.

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