… being found in appearance as a man, (Jesus) humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 4:8
Cross of Jesus, cross of sorrow, Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer, Perfect God on thee has bled!
Here the King of all the ages, Throned in light ere worlds could be,
Robed in mortal flesh is dying, Crucified by sin for me.
O mysterious condescending! O abandonment sublime!
Very God Himself is bearing All the sufferings of time!
Cross of Jesus, Cross of sorrow, Where the blood of Christ was shed,
Perfect man on thee did suffer, Prefect God on thee has bled!
LSB 428
According to the dictionary, sublime has several meanings, including: noble, majestic, exalted, inspiring awe or admiration through grandeur, upraised, lofty. Considering these definitions, the term sublime abandonment seems to be an oxymoron, a contradictory expression. We see the One who had all these attributes with the Father in glory, who voluntarily abandoned them all to become one of us, being put to death in the most shameful way devised by man, on the cross. Not only did He abandon His glory, but the Father also turned away from Him as He took our sins upon Himself, so that He cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Because Jesus was willing to suffer that abandonment, we are accepted. Because He put off His glory, we can receive His righteousness. Because He died, we can live. Because He was rejected, we are adopted into God’s family. We who were His enemies have become His brothers and sisters, co-heirs of the Father. Because He rose from the grave, we will live forever in glory with Him.
Lord, thank you for fulfilling Your most difficult assignment. As You were faithful even unto death, help us to be faithful in the work You have prepared for us in this life. Shine through us with Your light and life so that others may be drawn to You. May You receive all the glory and praise. Amen.
Kathy Rich
Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior
Green Valley, Arizona