March 21, 1999, Sunday

How low did the Most High God go for mankind? What penalty

did God allow His Son to take on Himself? Was Jesus brave

and did He show courage and faith as He died?

The Psalmist prophesied of Jesus that would leave His home

of the Most High God, but would be brought low for man-

"My strength dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaves

to my jaws; and You have brought me into the dust of death"

(Psa 22:15). Jesus left His heavenly home with a high mission

but to bend low for man. His high mission was to take the

penalty of sin on Himself for mankind. That high mission

and righteous cause required an affliction and antagonism

from the lowest of foes; Satan and mankind. Satan is an

archenemy of God and man has been deceived to believe that

liar from the beginning; But Jesus accomplished His mission!

The Psalmist spoke of the penalty that Jesus took on Himself

for mankind. Evil men surrounded Him and put Him to death--

"For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have

enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet" (Psa 22:16).

While He was punished for the sins of mankind, He prayed

for those that mocked and insulted Him. The scourge and the

insult that He endured should have been our disgrace for

the penalty of our sin and disgrace to the Most High God.

The Psalmist explained the prayer of the Lord as He died

and His faith in God to deliver Him when all appeared lost-

"Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power

of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth: for You have

heard me from the horns of the unicorns. I will declare

Your Name to my brothers: in the midst of Your people

and congregation will I praise Your Name!" (Psa 22:20-22).

The faith of Jesus was true to the end and He praised

the Most High God for He was delivered from that lion

that prowls about searching for one that he may devour!

Let us remember who has the higher and better way.

God's Name is Jehová Elyon. His thoughts and ways

are higher than ours. He has the solution to every

problem that we face. That solution and way can be

yours today as well. Can you turn your eyes towards

heaven 3 times today and pray to the Most High God

for a higher way? Lift your hands to Him today for

His higher way. Trust Him and Praise Him Today for

a higher and better way!