That's One Giant Leap For God!

On July 20, 1969, I was watching TV as the Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon. It was a thrilling event as well as an unprecedented human achievement. Millions remember the words of Neil Armstrong when he said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (see video).

Almost two thousand years earlier, the Creator of the moon made a giant leap of a vastly different kind. He descended from heaven to earth (Philippians 2:5-8). God the Son, the eternal Word (John 1:1,14), stepped down from heaven to become fully human, while remaining fully God. It was an amazing “leap” which illustrated to mankind God’s heart of love.

He became one of us so that He could die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. By rendering obedience to our Savior in baptism, our sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38). Through a daily study and application of God’s word, He enables us to overcome selfish ambition and conceit, motivating us to care for others (Philippians 2:3-4).

A leap into space may unite mankind in the pride of achievement, but it pales in comparison with what God accomplished when Jesus came from heaven to earth. He now unites all who obey Him (Romans 6:17-18), producing in them a growing humility and love that replaces selfishness and pride (1 Peter 5:5-6).

Dear reader, going to the moon is nothing compared to that!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets