Monday Meditation
March 22, 2010
From the desk of Dr. A.J. Higgins
www.heaven4sure.com
The Selfless Man
“Christ pleased not Himself.”
Romans 15:3
Can you identify with the concept of a totally selfless Man? There was never any attempt to please Himself. Beyond that, there was never even a desire which found a place in His heart. It never came into His mind to please Himself. And yet, He was the only Man Who ever moved here Who had the “right” to please Himself. He was “over all.”
All things had been made for Him. Everything was purposed to bring Him glory and honor. The purpose of every human life was to worship Him. The purpose of every institution was to honor Him. Yet He never moved to please Himself. Every act was for the good and blessing of others. Even His rebukes were calculated for blessing. He always, unfailingly, did what was the very best thing for others. But He not only did the best thing, He did it in the best possible way, at the best possible time! Every deed was perfect in every dimension imaginable.
He never satisfied a desire outside of the will of God. He never calculated a move for His own benefit or honor. He pleased not Himself. We cannot identify with it since we are so bent. We cannot even imagine what it must be like as we are so prone to self centered thinking. How unique, how beautiful was such a mind, heart, and life!
Questions to Consider
1. What is the context of Chapter 15 and how does this statement, “Christ pleased not Himself” relate to the problem in some of the assemblies in Rome?
2. What is the significance of the quote from Psalm 69? In what way did Christ endure the reproach that men would have heaped on God?
3. “Please his neighbor for good” (v 2). The second half of the law is to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Does this suggest Christ fulfilled that part of the law?
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This weekly meditation is prepared by Dr. Sandy Higgins. Its purpose is to give believers truth to think about and develop in their own minds and hearts throughout the week. Ultimately, as the week progresses, daily worship will result in hearts full of adoration for the Lord Jesus on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) as believers gather to remember Him.