But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9

The parents of Gary Buslik were worried when he graduated from college with his diploma in English.

Gary Buslik has done okay. He founded an alarm company and ended up making about $500,000 a year. After a number of years Buslik decided to sell his company which brought him a few million dollars more.

With some bucks in the bank, Buslik returned to his first love: literature. He went back to school and earned his doctorate. Now he's teaching part time, and doing some writing.

Gary Buslik makes $13,500 a year.

Some would say Buslik has taken a giant step down. Some would say he is throwing away his life. Buslik says he is doing what makes him happy.

Reading Buslik's story and how he has come down, I was put in mind of the Savior, Jesus. Our text for today's devotion says Jesus, the perfect Son of God, came into this world so He might "taste death for every man."

No doubt many would say it was a step down -- an unbelievably large step down. No doubt many would say He should have stay put in heaven where He could be worshipped and honored.

I believe Jesus would say He came "to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

Truly, all of us who have been redeemed should be immensely glad and eternally grateful for this step Jesus took. If He had not, our lives and our eternity would be more miserable than could possibly be imagined.

How did Luther say it in The Small Catechism? "For all of which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him."

And won't you join me? This is most certainly true.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, it is impossible for me to understand what it meant for you to leave heaven and be born in Bethlehem. Still You put Yourself to the side so I might be saved. For this selfless act, for Your life, suffering, death, and resurrection, I thank You. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 6-7    Psalms 30    John 1:29-51

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