My Kenosis
“Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7, NRSV)
I have always wanted to write something about Kenosis because it speaks so much of what I have gone through in the past months. I used to think that I don’t have the capacity to embrace my own “self-emptying” since I’m fond of confining myself in my own apathy and selfishness. Yet the people, places, and circumstances I’ve encountered along the way taught me to let go of my personal comforts, and extend my heart even more to those who are in need of love, kindness, and compassion.
It’s a coincidence though…the moment I was thinking of exact words that best describe my experiences of kenosis, one particular song captured everything. Actually, it was recommended to me by a friend and as soon as I listened to the melody and lyrics, I just found myself in tears because it was a simple, real, and unassuming explanation of the seemingly deep Christological term. Put it concretely, the song tells my story. I share the same sentiments with the one who composed it. Quoting from his blog entry, he said that the song was pretty self-evident. It starts off talking about what he’s been through in the last few years and ends with a simple prayer to be filled with God. This has been my prayer too ever since, that I may be able to let go of all my excess baggages in life so that I will be able to start my journey with an undivided heart filled with God’s love.
Ironic as it may seem but the more I empty myself, the fuller I become….
EMPTY ME (Chris Sligh)
I’ve had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood.
And I’ve tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.
I’ve seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away.
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change.
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you, compared to you.
Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you. So, I surrender all!
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me so I can be
Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you.
Oh, filled with you.
Empty me.
p.s. To Listen to the song, go to my multiply account: The Eclectic World of Ipzum
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