Philippians 2:5-11, ESV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
There's a lot of poetry in the Bible.
There's even poetry in the letters of Paul. Most of Paul's writing is theological and instructional, but sometimes in the midst of his theology and instruction, his heart shines through, and that's where the poetry is.
In Philippians, chapter 2, Paul is teaching about humility. He says that we should be humble, even to the point of putting the needs of others ahead of our own (vv. 3-4). And the perfect example of such loving humility is, of course, Jesus.
But as you read the description of Christ's sacrifice in verses 6-11, hear Paul's heart. Yes, he's still teaching, describing the perfect example of humility that Christ wants us to show to others. But as he is writing, hear his heart bursting with gratitude, with reverence, with awe, and with joy, as he thinks of this great sacrifice that Jesus made, not just for the world as a whole, but for him personally.
Jesus made this great sacrifice, not just for the world as a whole, but for you, personally. This would be a good time to take a moment to be still before the LORD, and wait for Him. Read those verses again, and let them sink in.
Learn the lesson of Christ's example of loving humility, but don't overlook the reality of Christ's great love for you.
Think about it...
How does reading this description of Christ's sacrifice for you make you feel?
Take a moment to be with God
The day is coming when Christ will be revealed in all His glory, and every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord. In an act of love, reverence, and faith, choose to bow now, and confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord.
