The Descent That Lifted Us
Choosing the downward way—where Christ’s life flows in surrender.
Devotional Credit: Days of Heaven on Earth by A.B. Simpson
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from A.B Simpson draws our gaze to the unfathomable humility of Jesus—God the Son, who willingly laid aside every right, every privilege, and every measure of divine independence to live as a servant. He who from eternity commanded the hosts of heaven chose the posture of submission. His obedience wasn’t reluctant—it was perfect, joyful, and uninterrupted. He lived every moment under the will of the Father, not claiming the liberty to please Himself but yielding completely to Another’s pleasure.
This wasn’t mere servanthood in function—it was servanthood in essence. His entire earthly life was ministry, saying “I can do nothing of Myself,” and ultimately, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” The One who could speak galaxies into being allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross by the very hands He formed. His obedience didn’t stop at the threshold of death; it extended into its deepest shame, embracing the cross so that we could be raised.
And now He invites us—not just to admire His descent—but to share in it. To take the same path of surrender, not by gritting our teeth in effort, but by yielding in love to the indwelling Christ who still says, “I am among you as one who serves.”
📓 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I never asked you to become something you are not. I asked you to abide in the One who lives to serve.
I formed you anew in Christ Jesus—not to make demands, but to draw you into a shared life where My will is your delight. Jesus did not grasp for equality with Me, though it was rightfully His. He laid it down freely, clothed in flesh, and walked among you—not to be admired, but to serve, to give, to pour Himself out.
This same mind is now in you. You don’t need to conjure up humility; I have already placed My Servant heart within you. Yield to Me in the moment, and I will live My obedience through you. I do not call you to die daily by your own effort, but to die to the self-life that resists Me—and in its place, I manifest the risen life of Christ.
You are not climbing to greatness. You are descending with Me into the heart of others. There, in the lowly places, My life flows richest. Obedience is no longer your burden—it is the overflow of your union with Me.
Scriptures referenced: Philippians 2:5–8; Isaiah 42:1; Luke 22:27; John 5:19; Luke 22:42; Galatians 2:20
🪜 Real-Life Analogy
It’s like stepping onto an escalator going down while the crowd rushes to go up. Everything in you wants to rise, to be noticed, to be important. But as you choose to step downward, to let go of the need to ascend, you discover something unexpected—the escalator of grace carries you into a space of peace, clarity, and purpose. You’re not shrinking—you’re being placed precisely where My love wants to flow.
🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that in Christ, I already have the mind of a servant. I do not need to strive to become humble or obedient—I trust the life of Your Son within me to express His perfect surrender. Thank You that I am free from needing to prove anything, gain anything, or hold on to anything. Your Son descended into obedience for me, and now He lives His obedient life through me. I rest in the joy of surrender, confident that You delight in what You have formed in me.