Head of Humanity, April 25

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.—Colossians 1:15JNN 125.1

This is a time when every person in a responsible position, and every member of the church, should bring every feature of his work into close accord with the teachings of the word of God. By untiring vigilance, by fervent prayer, by Christlike words and deeds, we are to show the world what God desires His church to be.JNN 125.2

From His high position, Christ, the King of glory, the Majesty of heaven, saw the condition of men and women. He pitied human beings in their weakness and sinfulness, and came to this earth to reveal what God is to humanity. Leaving the royal courts, and clothing His divinity with humanity, He came to the world Himself, in our behalf to work out a perfect character. He did not choose His dwelling among the rich of the earth. He was born in poverty, of lowly parentage, and lived in the despised village of Nazareth. As soon as He was old enough to handle tools, He shared the burden of caring for the family.JNN 125.3

Christ humbled Himself to stand at the Head of humanity, to meet the temptations and endure the trials that humanity must meet and endure. He must know what humanity has to meet from the fallen foe, that He might know how to succor those who are tempted.JNN 125.4

And Christ has been made our Judge. The Father is not the Judge. The angels are not. He who took humanity upon Himself, and in this world lived a perfect life, is to judge us. He only can be our Judge. Will you remember this, brethren? Will you remember it, ministers? Will you remember it, fathers and mothers? Christ took humanity that He might be our Judge. No one of you has been appointed to be a judge of others. It is all that you can do to discipline yourselves. In the name of Christ I entreat you to heed the injunction that He gives you never to place yourselves on the judgment seat. From day to day this message has been sounded in my ears: “Come down from the judgment seat. Come down in humility.”JNN 125.5

Never was there a time when it was more important that we should deny ourselves and take up the cross daily than now. How much self-denial are we willing to practice?—Testimony Treasures 3:382, 383.JNN 125.6

Further Reflection: What is my cross? What will I pick up today as I follow Christ?JNN 125.7