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REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is also called paradoxical sleep.
A paradox is, a tenet contrary to received opinions, a statement
that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet
is perhaps true, something (as a person, condition, or act) with
seemingly contradictory qualities or phases (Webster). REM sleep
is consider paradoxical since there is increased brain activity
resulting in rapid eye movement at a time when we usually consider
the body at rest.
Jesus was the Godhead bodily during His earthly ministry (Col.
2:9). Jesus was the One of whom Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a Child
is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon
His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6).
Jesus is King, Lord, Creator, and Sustainor of the world. He was
King of the Jews. Yet he presents Himself as a servant to God and
mankind. To the world this is a paradox - it doesn't make sense.
In John 13 we read of Jesus washing His apostles' feet the evening
of His arrest. At first, Peter refused to allow Jesus such humiliation
- servants are to wash their Master's feet, not visa versa. After
washing the disciples feet Jesus says: "Do you know what I have
done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for
so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you
an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly,
I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he
who is sent greater than he who sent him" (Jn. 13:12-16).
Jesus' arrest and trials is a paradox to the world. Jesus had power
to call legions of angels to His aid; and He healed the ear of one
who came to arrest Him. Jesus was silent before Pilate and Herod,
but confessed being the Christ of God. In silence he willfully gave
Himself to death.
The perceived paradox of Christ continued on the cross. Jesus appeals
to God on behalf of His killers saying: "Father, forgive them, for
they do not know what they do" (Lk. 23:43). Jesus ministers to one
of the men crucified with Him saying: "Assuredly, I say to you,
today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Lk. 23:43). And, Jesus ministers
to His mother: "When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple
whom He loved standing by, he said to His mother, 'Woman, behold
your son!' Then He said to the disciple, "behold your mother!'"
The final paradox of Jesus before death was death itself. The One
who had power over life gave His life that others may live: "So
when Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished!'
And bowing His head, he gave up His spirit" (Jn. 19:30).
And the paradox continues as Jesus continues to serve His disciples
as mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and advocate (1 Jn. 2:1). Jesus: King,
Lord, and Priest of all, yet servant to all.
To the world a Christian lives a paradoxical life. We are made
kings, priests, and holy (1 Pet. 2:9; 1 Cor. 4:8; Rev. 1:6). Yet,
we are servants of God and man. The perceived paradox: Christians
are kings and priests, yet servant to all.
In the world a Christian's life is a paradox, but to heaven a Christian's
life is the manifestation of truth - in heaven there is no paradox.
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