God Manifest in the Flesh - Lee Brainard

In 1 Tim. 3:16 we read, “Great is the mystery of godliness, God was manifest in the flesh.” This event — which scholars refer to as the incarnation — is the most amazing event in human history. The unlimited, uncreated, eternal Son of God came down to Earth and took up residence in Mary’s womb as a tiny human embryo. In one giant step down he became — for all eternity — a human being. The unlimited was confined to a human body. The uncreated was bound to created substance. The immortal was clothed in mortal flesh and blood (Heb. 2:14).

But Christ didn’t just partake of human nature, he partook of human experience. He was born in poverty and labored as a common working man. He suffered sorrow and pain, weakness and weariness, hunger and thirst. He shed tears for his friends (John 11:35) and his nation (Luke 19:41). He was tempted by the devil. He faced ridicule, rejection, and betrayal. He suffered like all men do, yet without sin.

But there was a wonderful purpose in all this. Christ spans the gulf between God and man. He has walked in our shoes. He can identify with our troubles and empathize with our weaknesses. He is a merciful Saviour who gives empathetic aid to all in their trials and temptations (Hebrews 2:17-18).

~Lee Brainard, July 19 2014