The Prince Became a Pauper

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Philippians 2:6-9

Feeling completely uninspired I prayed for some and Mark Twain’s story of The Prince and the Pauper came to mind. In the story two boys, who have very different lives - one royal and wealthy, the other poor and abused - meet by chance, maybe divine chance. They share nothing, but a physical resemblance. They do perhaps what comes naturally to boys in such a situation they switch places. They each learn some valuable lessons as they live one another’s lives, it is however, the prince who learns the greatest lessons. You see he learns justice, mercy, compassion and grace, things that will serve the young prince well when he becomes king. 

The prophet Isaiah tells of One who is coming who among his many titles will be called the Prince of Peace. Paul in today’s passage tells us the Jesus really shared nothing with mankind except the resemblance He took on. He taught those with hearts willing to learn, justice, mercy, compassion and grace. Have you ever considered what he learned? He learned the pain of loss and the joy of celebration. He learned what the struggle between good and evil in the heart of man is like. 

Because the Prince became a pauper He understands what you are facing and feeling. He knows what it is to be bullied. He knows what it is to grieve. He knows what it feels like to be misunderstood and insulted. He knows how good it feels when things go right. 

Because He understands He willingly walks with you on the journey of life. No matter what you are facing He has been there and understands. You are never alone because the King is with you. 

A Prayer
Father, thank you that Your Son became a pauper and lived among us. Thank you for what He learned because He is our King and a king who understands and really knows his subjects can rule with mercy and grace. Thank you that we are never alone in whatever we face. Help us treat one another justly with mercy, grace and compassion. May our own experiences help us to walk with those around us in the good times and the challenging times. In the name of Jesus, Amen.