"I Am" Chooses to be Born

posted by Paula Hendricks on 03/14/11 | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Category: God; ; 31 comments

newborn babyWhen and where did your life begin? Me, I was born at a small hospital in Lawrenceville, Illinois. At 7:06 a.m. nearly 28 years ago, I took my very first breath.

In chapter two of The Incomparable Christ (the book study we're doing with Nancy Leigh DeMoss these 40 days leading up to Easter), Oswald Sanders writes about Jesus' birth.

What makes this birth stand apart from all others isn't the humble stable in Bethlehem, Israel, where He was born or the smelly animals that witnessed His entry into the world, though those were certainly some unique circumstances! What made His birth different than every other was that . . . "His birth did not mark His origin, but only His appearance as a man on the stage of time."

Wooaahh. Did you get that? This baby was God Himself, the One "without beginning"! Until this day, He had had no beginning; He simply was, "I am" (John 8:57–58). Like the song lyrics put it, "Creation gazed upon His face; the ageless One in time's embrace."* 

Has the dark thought, I wish I'd never been born, ever crossed your mind? If so, you will find Sanders words especially meaningful: "Unlike us, [Jesus] chose the oblivion of birth and the humiliation of life. He consented not only to die, but to be born." 

This is astounding when you consider what He gave up in order to be born. His "tight" relationship with the Father and the Spirit must have been at the very top of the list of riches He gave up (2 Cor. 8:9).

The pre-existence of Jesus humbles me when I remember that this "ageless One" became poor, so that you and I could become rich in Christ. Truly we have been and are loved with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3)!

I'd love to hear . . . what else has stood out to you as you've started this book?

*"Creation Sings the Father's Song" by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend

Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

    Rebheka
    Wow
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1:10 pm
    Amazing post, thanks Paula! I never thought of it that way before. It's amazing isn't it? The whole time he could have
    Stopped the grief and pain he physically went thru but he didn't. He CHOSE to die too.
    Emma
    Re:
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1:54 pm
    I am really trying to get this book at my library but it is taking a while!Anyways thanks for the post.Also---This probably will sound weird but my friend just lost a pet(she was really close to it)could you pray for her???Thanks!!!
    Carina
    The Wonder of Him
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 2:57 pm
    It's funny because I was just realizing yesterday how wonderous and crazy the whole story of Christ (and the whole world and all the people in it) really is. I mean, I can't wrap my mind around the idea of Christ and His earthly life. And also just the fact that this earthly life is just a teeny-tiny little glimsp of real life--of eternal life. Eternity is a mind-boggling thought...
    History [His Story] is really a beautiful, adventurous, glorious, and mind-boggling story. :)

    I really really want to get The Incomparable Christ book to read! It sounds so amazing!

    Erin, I have a question. You know how there were a few posts a while back ago about not pursing guys, which I totally agree with. Well, I was wondering about Ruth. In her story she pretty much proposed to Boaz...and I was wondering what your thoughts on that story are?

    Thanks for all the awesome encouragment and truth!
    Love to All my Sisters In Christ,
    Carina
    Anonymous
    Re:
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 3:42 pm
    I know this is off topic but if you have always believed you are a Christian and everyone around you says they are certain you are and then you start to doubt your salvation what do you do? How do I know that I am truly saved and not just tricking myself into thinking so? Also right now God feels really far away and distant. I don't know what to do! I have never felt this before. I used to be upset over my sins but lately it's like I don't care really and yet deep inside me I want to be sad over my sins and I want to be saved. I have always loved God but lately I haven't really felt any awe of Him or love for Him. I am stuck with this awful doubting. What do I do? Please pray for me. Thank you.
    Kate
    ouch
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 4:00 pm
    I haven't been able to start the book yet, but here's something I learned from this blog.
    sometimes, I feel like I would be a better servant for God if I had been born into a different country, family, or background. knowing that Jesus came out of choice to an imperfect family (like my family!!! ok, like all of our families...) to live in a imperfect world, but he lived a perfect life. I know that is because he is God, but knowing that we can live a life dedicated to God no matter what our origin. Does that make any sense???
    Gracefalls
    Re:
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 5:39 pm
    wow, I always wish that I never was born, and wonder why people want to live in this messed up world... I really wonder why, other than to die, why Jesus wanted to come to earth?
    After God's Own Heart
    Kate
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 5:42 pm
    That makes sense, Kate. As Elizabeth Prentiss's son-in-law once said, "I'm a Calvinist, ma'am!" We believe in the sovereignty of God; We trust in him day-today; We totally surrender ourselves to His plan, including our families! Remember, God makes all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose-- your origin is not only OK, but working FOR GOOD in your life. And in mine. :)

    Thanks for the post, Erin!
    Jade
    God's Love
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 6:16 pm
    Wow. It's cool to think about, that Jesus that whole time, didn't have to do it. But he wanted to.

    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NKJV)

    @Anonymous -- I'll be praying for you as you try to find the answer to your question. A great passage in the Bible that talks about it is 1 John 2:3-11. I would really encourage you to read that passage, but also all of 1, 2, and 3 John. (They're really short, don't feel overwhelmed.)
    4 questions to ask yourself to help discern whether you're a Christian or not are:
    a.) Do you confess Christ? (Tell others you're a christian, invite them to church, talk about God, etc.)
    b.) Do you confess your sin? (When you pray, do you tell God the things you've done wrong and ask for forgiveness.)
    c.) Do you want to obey God's word? (You feel guilty when you know you've done something God doesn't want you to do, etc.)
    d.) Do you love others? (You try to help people who are less fortunate, be a friend to those who don't have many friends, etc.)

    By no means am I saying even the best Christian does these things all the time, but they are an indicator that you're a Christian. My best advice would be to read your Bible each day, pray each day (preferably more), find a Bible believing church (if you aren't already part of one), and try to make some Christian friends that can encourage you.

    One important thing to remember is that, if you really want to be a Christian and you're worried that you aren't, you probably are. It's a sign that the Holy Spirit is working in you.
    Krista
    not feeling it...
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 8:35 pm
    i love God but i havent had a really good relationship with God but I dont know what to do and ive been tricking myself into thinking im not a Christian but i really want to but im just feeling a disconnection its like i dont feel the awe for God i really dont like it but I dont know what im doing wrong. i feel like God's not there anymore. plz relpy quickly
    Chloe
    Excellent Post
    on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 9:18 pm
    I haven't been able to go out and buy a copy of this book yet, but I really want to and I hope that I will be able to sometime soon.
    Annamarie
    Re:
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:21 pm
    I'm still trying to get the book right now! But it's coming, I'm excited to get it.
    Annamarie
    Re:
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:53 pm
    Um, I've been trying to get the book but it's not by the same author so I didn't get it, but it is called "The Incomparable Christ" but it is by John Scott. I order it then I cancled it because I thought it was the wrong book, is that the right book?
    Just Me
    RE: Krista
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 4:23 pm
    Hey, I'll totally be praying for ya sister. God is always there even if we can't feel it. Sin separates us from Him- puts a barrier between us and God-but if we are His children He won't give up on us. Confessing our sin and even rededicating our lives to Christ can break that barrier. If you truly do love God, and you truly do want a relationship with Him then I would suggest filling yourself with the Truth. Constantly be reading God's Word so that you can know Him better...go to youth and Bible study's and church as much as you can. Maybe even talk to older, wiser people to see what they say. I've been where you are girl, but just know God loves you with an everlasting love and He will always be willing to help you if you ask:) God bless and I hope you have a wonderful day...praying for you!!!
    Paula Hendricks
    To Annamarie
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 4:44 pm
    Hey, Annamarie,

    You can get the book here: http://store.reviveourhearts.com/theincomparablechrist.aspx. It's by J. Oswald Sanders--you were right to cancel your order. :)
    Paula Hendricks
    To Gracefalls
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 5:07 pm
    Dear Gracefalls,

    From everything I can tell, Jesus came to do His Father’s will: “I have come to do your will, my God” (Hebrews 10:7). It was out of love and submission to Him—at incredible cost to Himself. He came to bring God’s kingdom to earth: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

    He wants to save you from your bondage to sin and give you abundant life—not so you can live a life of comfort and ease right now, but so you, too, can do His will and advance His kingdom on this earth. I’m so sorry you wish you hadn’t been born, Gracefalls, and pray you will come to know and believe the love He has for you, and will fulfill His purpose for you on this earth.

    Love,

    paula
    Paula Hendricks
    To Emma
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 5:15 pm
    Absolutely, Emma! Praying for your friend now . . .
    Anonymous
    Krista and Jade
    on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 6:58 pm
    Krista, what you describe is kinda how I feel. I don't feel a lot of awe for God right now and am confused about what I am doing wrong. I have always thought I am a Christian though but now I am not so sure. Also, thank you Jade for your advice. I will certainly try it as I am desperate right now. Thank you!
    Gracefalls
    Paula
    on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 6:58 am
    But why did he have to be born to this earth
    Annamarie
    Re:
    on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 2:44 pm
    Thanks! :)
    Emma
    phendricks
    on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 9:04 am
    THANKS!!!
    Mary
    Re:
    on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 1:13 pm
    great post! I have always been amazed by how Jesus has always been and always will be. I mean, I have thought back to the earliest time I can remember ever being taught in history class and then try to go back even farther and farther and know that God was there before all of it! If any of you managed to understand that you're awesome!

    I have a question tho...for those that wom the drawing...were we supposed to already have gotten our book??????
    Paula Hendricks
    To Gracefalls
    on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 4:51 pm
    Dear Gracefalls,

    I’m not sure I totally understand your question, but I’ll take another stab at it.

    Jesus is referred to as our High Priest in the Bible. The High Priest’s job was to represent the people before God. Jesus could not have identified with our feelings, struggles, and temptations if He had not been born into our world with real skin and blood. And if He had not also been perfect God, He never could have appeased God’s wrath and taken away our sin. Does that help?

    Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

    Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
    Paula Hendricks
    To Carina
    on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 12:07 pm
    Great question, Carina!

    Two things stand out to me about Ruth’s story:

    1. This was her mother-in-law, Naomi’s idea. Naomi was Ruth’s only family, and Ruth was submitting to her wisdom/authority.

    2. There was this whole “kinsman redeemer” concept in their culture, (which Boaz was). In other words, this was a really unique cultural phenomenon for Jews living at that time in history. I don’t think we should take Ruth’s actions as a “proposal” to Boaz, or as permission to propose to any old guy today.

    I’d encourage you to read the story/do some research on it yourself—I’d love to hear what you learn!

    Hope this helps,

    paula
    Paula Hendricks
    To Anonymous
    on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 12:29 pm
    Dear Anonymous,

    Thanks for your honesty. I have good news. You can KNOW WITH CERTAINTY whether or not you are a Christian! It can’t be based on your feelings (which can change in a second and are never really trustworthy), but on TRUTH—rock-solid truth.

    If you’d read it, I would love to send you a book by Pastor Erwin Lutzer titled “How You can Be Sure You Will Spend Eternity With God.” Just send an email to me (Paula) at Info@LiesYoungWomenBelieve.com, and include your mailing address as well as the title of this book.

    Praying that you will settle this once and for all, Anonymous,

    paula

    “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” –Jesus, referring to us as sheep and to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-29).
    Anonymous
    Paula
    on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 11:19 am
    Paula, Thank you for your sweet offer. I will ask my parents permission and if they let me I will send you my mailing information. I would love to read the book and certainly would read it if I am allowed to get it from you. Thank you!
    Anonymous
    Paula
    on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 12:53 pm
    Paula, I tried to send my mailing information to you but for some reason my email account is telling me it is unable to send emails to the adrress. Is there any other adrress you have that I could send my information too? If so could you post a comment here with it? Thank you!
    Paula Hendricks
    To Anonymous
    on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 3:06 pm
    I'm proud of you for asking your parents permission. Smart move.

    Let's try this: just put your address in a comment right here on the blog, but we won't publish the comment (we always read the comments before setting them LIVE).

    Looking forward to hearing what you think of the book,

    ph
    Nikki
    wow
    on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10:05 pm
    Thanks i never thought about it this way. I was premature and i was born weighing 2 pounds my docters said that i would die in the first year but i didnt i got this far i thank God everyday of my life!!!
    Paula Hendricks
    To Anonymous
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 9:27 am
    Got it! Sending your book to you now via media mail . . . it could take up to two weeks.

    Enjoy!

    paula
    Anonymous
    Paula
    on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 10:53 am
    Thank you so much! I can't wait to read it!
    Anonymous
    Paula
    on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 3:22 pm
    I just got my book in the mail today! Thank you!

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