March 25: Every tongue confess
Scroll down for complete Scripture.
DEVOTIONAL:
I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard this Scripture read, preached about or reflected on. Its popularity is shown in the countless songs written to reflect the last few verses. But at the root of it all, the text helps us remember the very reason God sent his Son to earth, and gives us specific examples of how to live our lives just as Jesus did.
The theme this week, “He Humbled Himself,” is very evident in this passage. In fact, the first thing that stood out to me as I read the text again was the first line in verse 7 – “but emptied himself.” Think about that for a moment – Jesus completely emptied himself and traveled to this earth to show us how to live. Other translations use the phrase “humbled himself” to tell of Jesus’ incredible sacrifice. Even before death on the cross, Jesus let go of the power he possessed in order to help us understand the relationship we shouldn’t miss out on.
“… so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend … and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father!”
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:5-11 (NRSV)
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death –
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
I woke up this morning with the song in my head that contains the last few lines of that scripture. What a nice surprise. Thanks!
Every time I stop and consider what Jesus did for us and what it cost him I am continually amazed. And he did it willingly in love. As you said, he wants no one to miss the relationship he craves with us.
Thank you for your reflections. Your description of how Jesus lived is a timely reminder for me as I head out the door to work this morning.
Your meditation helped to give deeper meaning to the text that I had read many times. Thank you.
The scriptures and your reflection were the final push to my taking a major step I need to take in my life right now. If JESUS humbled Himself – even to the point of death – well, that is the path that I need to choose right now. (I can’t help but count on resurrection and knowing Christ more intimately on the other end.) Thank-you, Kara!
(Amanda’s Aunt)Kathy
Thanks Kara for reminding me what Jesus is all about!!!!!