“Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When I read this verse I’m reminded of a story I heard a long time ago about a man that wanted to help a flock of pigeons. But every time he came near them they flew away, scared. So, one day he became a pigeon. It was a big downgrade from being a human. He had to peck on the ground for food, keep his eye out for hawks and foxes, and wade through the other pigeon’s poop, but they didn’t fly away anymore when he approached. Clearly this story is a metaphor for what Jesus did for me, but it’s far from perfect. For example, the man didn’t create the pigeons or heal them or save them… the metaphor breaks down quickly. But what I do value about this story is the comparison of going from human to pigeon and going from God to human. Jesus’s sacrifice wasn’t just His death on the cross. As today’s verse says, the sacrifice included everything about being human instead of God. How humiliating it is to be human, compared with being God! How humiliating to be a pigeon when I’ve been human! No hands, no voice, no hopes or dreams or goals. Just eating and pooping and running from danger. Jesus did that for me. He modeled the ultimate humility and asks me to do the same. As a Christian, I am supposed to strive to be as humble as Jesus. Am I willing to be a pigeon if it furthers God’s kingdom? To demean myself for the sake of others?

Dear God,

Thank you so much for your humiliating sacrifice of becoming human so that we could know you better and have your example of how to live. Clearly we needed it. Teach me where I need to cast aside pride. Show me the humble path you want me to walk today. Please forgive my reluctance to give up what I have and remind me that it all came from you.