Empty On Purpose

A few days ago we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many were sending text messages and posting “he is risen” or “the tomb is empty”. This is definitely great news, but I wonder how many have taken the time to truly understand why? What truly is the purpose of being empty?

Jesus understood that dying by way of crucifixion, the most crucial death was the final step to him fulfilling his earthly purpose. However, prior to taking that last step we see Jesus’s first step was to empty himself. Philippians 2:5-9 shows us how Jesus willingly stripped himself of his deity in order to redeem the world. As he walked the earth teaching the disciples, healing the sick, and raising the dead, he consistently prophesied about his death. Through parables he reminded the disciples that the temple (his body) would be destroyed, but in three days it would be restored. Just as he said, his body was destroyed, until he died. He was buried and on the third day he rose and now lives and because He lives we can live!

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

— Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV

So here’s your challenge for this week:

1. What do you need to empty out of yourself? Pride, anger, jealousy, slothfulness? Maybe you’re not even sure. Ask God what needs to be purged, so that you can effectively fulfill your purpose in the earth.

2. What are you prophesying about yourself, your purpose, your life? Remember death and life is in the power of the tongue, and you will have what you say (Proverbs 18:21). Make sure you are speaking the word. Just like Jesus prophesied about his death, he was simply repeating what had already been spoken by the prophets in the Old Testament. What has God been speaking to you by way of the Holy Spirit? Let that be what comes out of your mouth.

3. What gifts and talents have you buried that need to be resurrected? Maybe it’s that book you started years ago and never finished. Maybe God gave you a play to write for the drama ministry. Perhaps you have a passion to help the less fortunate, and need to pursue opportunities where you can help. Whatever it is, it’s time to prophesy to the dry bones and tell them to live (Ezekiel 37:1-5).

Until next week…..

Be blessed, but first comes obedience!

Rev. Robin

P.S. Our Spring Fling Sale is still going on. This week buy 2 and get the 3rd at 50% off. Click here to shop!