In this reflection I will be focusing on the last two verses on verses ten and eleven. These verses really describe the highly exalted Jesus Christ. I compare it to what I read in Grudem last week when he describes Jesus taking upon three occupations of the Old Testament. Jesus took up the role of a prophet, priest, and a king and exceedingly fulfilled the roles. Everyone who understands that Jesus is the fulfillment cannot resist the grace that is found in Him. In verse ten it states, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). This verse reveals how at the end of days that Jesus will be exalted highly to everyone, even in hell. This gives me reassurance and confidence that any situation that I face on earth is not the end, but instead it is the king of kings that will reign forever, and I will be a part of His mission. In verse eleven it says “and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 3:11). I can not wait until I get to heaven to have the veil of sin be removed from my eyes completely so I can see the magnificent work of the Trinity. I believe that in heaven I will continue to grow to love others, and until that day God is sanctifying me and making me holy.
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In this Psalm reflection I will dive into verses eight and nine. In these two verses it describes the situation of Christ death and eventual exaltation. To begin I want to meditate on the first portion of verse eight where it says “and being found in human form” (Philippians 2:8a). This verse, at first glance, does not seem like much. I believe many people forget the significance of Christ taking human form. The humanity of Christ is necessary for our atonement and judgment. If Christ was not fully human, like we are, then not all of us would be made clean. The next portion of the verse reads, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8b). When I read this I am affected by the full humanity of Jesus, which died. Even though He was fully God, he took on the curse of man to break it for those who believe in Him. The death on a cross was so shameful, and not only that, He bore our shame as well. All that he suffered while being in our deserved place, leads to the next verse. The next verse states, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). The death that Jesus suffered was not kept at that, instead this is where the trinity displayed its perfect power. Christ's death glorified the Father by His humbleness to take our guilt/shame/iniquity, which He did not deserve. Christ was then exalted, and in return the spirit would be unleashed on believing hearts when He ascended to be with the Father. It is so beautiful to sit and reflect on the person of Christ, and the person He is making me to be.
In my first reflection I discussed the first three verses of this meditation, and this reflection I will be comparing the paralleled description of Jesus in verses six through eight. Paul, in this chapter, compares the way we should view others and be unified in the body of Christ. This humility is only counted for because of the impact Jesus makes in the lives of believing hearts (as Paul argues in verse five). Jesus is the example that humanity should follow. Although He has all the power in the world it says in verse seven that He, “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). The man, who is fully God, reveals how He gave up everything to serve others. If this is not a testament in our own life to lay down all of our pride, arrogance, and selfishness; I don’t know what is. We have nothing to boast about that is worthy of praise, but we still do it. Jesus did not just stop at becoming human, but He also continued to live the life we could not and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). I am moved by the selflessness of Christ, although He had all the right to boast (I know I would have), and the willingness to glorify the father in everything He did. The humbleness we take on earth and through the encounters we have is seen by God. My prayer for this week is that I could lay down my life for others, whether it be through giving of money, my time, or my advice. In the little ways I can help further the kingdom, I will be asking for the gift of humility like my Savior Jesus Christ.
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Sam MarchantLover of Christ, who has a love to learn more about Him. Archives |