For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
We celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus, remembering His coming to this earth as a baby. The fact that really struck me this year was the thought about Jesus leaving His glory that He had with the Father to condescend to our level. I’m not sure we can really comprehend fully the level of that condescension. Maybe we could think about the richest man on this earth and imagine that one day he lost his entire wealth, including all his property and his reputation. That would still fall very short of comparing to the level of Jesus condescension.
There are many today who would like to change that narrative to tell us that Jesus actually was wealthy while living here (usually prosperity preachers). The truth is that Jesus lived a rather poor life as far as worldly wealth is concerned. “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. The wealth of this world was not Jesus’ concern. He came to bring us wealth that endures forever. To set us free from these temporal things that attract humanity.
This is the greatest demonstration of love. Giving up everything to bring us something we could not have attain on our own. Some wealthy men today are willing to give to charity. There is even a challenge among some billionaires to give away half of their wealth. None have given up everything, and even if they did, it would still pale by comparison to what our Lord gave up for us.
Not only did He divest Himself of all His glory to come here, He gave even His very life for us. He came in humility, lived in poverty, died in shame, and yet He is the King of glory. Phillippians 2:5-8.
So, if He became poor that we might be made rich, what exactly are our riches? Firstly, He gave us the power to become children of God. - John 1:12; and joint heirs with Him - Romans 8:17. That should just blow your mind. Jesus is heir of ALL things - Hebrews 1:2. He has blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in heavenly places - Ephesians 1:3.
I would like to point out that, if Jesus had simply provided us an escape from hell, that would have been a huge thing for us. We would be praising Him just for that, as no one else could even do that for us. All the wealth of this world would not be enough to redeem even one soul from hell. But Jesus did not just barely save our soul from hell, He made it possible for us to have it all. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
I pray that your understanding is opened to comprehend the amazing Grace of God, and the place that has been purchased for you by Jesus blood. Such a great price to purchase for us such great wealth. We will never be able to cease praising Him for all eternity.
Gordon Crook
