But He emptied Himself—
taking on the form of a slave,
becoming the likeness of men
and being found in appearance as a man.
He humbled Himself—
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8, TLV
The Great Plan. I’m a writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Today’s verses inspired me with a picture in my head—more like a movie. I hope the story will be a blessing as we celebrate our country’s independence.
The Father paced before His throne. He paused.
“Son, in order for this to work, You will have to become like them. Yet, not like them.”
“Yes, Father,” the Son said as He stood before His Father. “I am here. Send me.”
“You will be little more than a slave to those You are to save.”
Straightening His shoulders, the Son lifted His chin. “Father, I have been with You from the first spark of this Plan. I am Your Right Arm ready to go and do Your bidding.”
“Son, I love each of them so much. I am sending them You to them, My beloved Son. I am asking You, the Prince of Peace to humble Yourself—empty Yourself—and be named like one of them. Take human form.”
The Son knelt before the Father. “And I love You so much that I will do everything and anything You require of Me.”
“Even unto death, My Son?” The Father turned away and shook His head. “You know nothing of death.”
The Son waited and watched His Father.
Leaning toward His Son, the Father lifted the Son’s chin. “I can tell You this death will be the most excruciating, humiliating death. You will carry every burden of every mortal. The sins that separate Me from them will be on You.”
The Son gazed into eternity that was the eyes of His Father and said, “Not My will, but Your will be done.”
Silence filled the throne room. All movement stopped.
The Father nodded, then embraced His Son.
They stood together.
“Ready, Son?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Very well, then let Us begin.”
The Father raised His mighty arms and spoke, “Let there be light!”
The Great Plan for our salvation through Yeshua’s sacrificial death didn’t begin at Creation, it began before the Universe was spoken into being.
From that beginning our Heavenly Father’s Son knew what was to come and because of His love for His Father and us, He was prepared to fulfill His role in our freedom. Our freedom from the penalty of sin giving us the honor to call Jesus’s Father, Abba—Daddy.
As we celebrate our independence, let us remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. 
And as we remember, let’s remember the greatest sacrifice of all.
