p. 9 | FOR LOVE TO US by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 47.

FOR LOVE TO US

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

"Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame." Phil. 2:5-8, reads according to the Revised Version: "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God [Greek, "originally in the form of God"], counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross."

The joy that was set before Jesus was the salvation of souls. When He sees the travail of his soul, that is, the result of the travail of His soul, He will be satisfied. It was not for any personal good that He could gain that He suffered; for He had all heaven already. Equal with the Father, having life in Himself, the Creator and Upholder of the universe, receiving the adoration of the highest angels, there was nothing that could be added to Him. But when he saw mankind in sin and suffering, doomed to eternal death, He did not count His lofty place in heaven a thing to be desired.

So great was His love for fallen humanity, that He could not enjoy heaven till He had rescued from perdition all who would receive His kind offices. So He "emptied Himself,"—laid aside His joy,—that He might have the (to Him) greater pleasure of saving sinners. Surely it is worth while to consider Him. If we would continually look upon Him, viewing Him in His true character, who could become weary and discouraged? Such love as that, combined with divine power, will surely be sufficient to make us "more than conquerors."—E. J. W.