One giant leap for God

[Christ] humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. — Philippians 2:8

On July 20, 1969, Apollo II astronauts landed on the moon. It was an unprecedented human achievement. Millions remember the words of Neil Armstrong: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” President Nixon declared, “All humanity is one in their pride.”

Two thousand years earlier, the Creator of the moon made a giant leap of a vastly different kind. He descended from heaven to earth (Phil. 2:5-8). God the Son, the eternal Word (John 1:1, 14), stepped down from heaven to become fully human, while remaining fully God. It was an amazing “leap,” which showed us God’s heart of love. He became one of us so that He could die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. By trusting Him as our Savior, we are forgiven. We also receive His Spirit, who enables us to overcome selfish ambition and conceit, and to care for others (Phil. 2:3-4).

A leap into space may unite mankind in the pride of achievement, but it pales in comparison with what God accomplished when Jesus came from heaven to earth. He now unites all who trust Him, producing in them a growing humility and love that replaces selfishness and pride. Going to the moon is nothing compared to that. — Dennis De Haan

Jesus our Savior left heaven above,

Came down to earth with a message of love

Took on Himself all our sin and our shame,

Now life eternal is ours through His Name. — Hess

READ: Philippians 2:8

Christ was born here below that we might be born from above.

The Bible in one year:

• Numbers 18-20