Blessings to you on this Monday morning, and may our Good God’s grace and favor be upon you throughout this new week!
Read Philippians 2:5 – 11.
There are some portions of scripture that should cause every Believer to pause and truly reflect, and this is certainly the case with today’s reading. This letter to the early church in Philippi was penned by the apostle Paul from a prison cell (perhaps in Rome). There were several reasons for Paul to write to the Philippians – including addressing some division and discord that had developed among the Believers. And these few verses of today’s reading are squarely directed at dealing with discord by getting the brothers and sisters to focus on the magnificence of Our Lord Jesus.
As you read through these few verses, take note of the following key points:
Paul is calling Believers to let the mind of Christ Jesus be in each of us! But instead of expanding on all of the wonderful and amazing things that could imply, the writer hones in on the true humility of Christ. Paul tells us that Jesus “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” What a gracious and wonderful Savior we have, brothers! He did not cling to the rights and privileges and deity that He righteously and eternally possessed, but He gave it all up so that He could save each one of us.
I am humbled by the very thought of what Jesus did for me.
And further consider – this concept of God Himself stepping out of heaven and taking on the likeness of man to deal with the world’s sin nature is unique among the world’s religions. Only true Christianity, including a humble Savior who pays the price for sin, once for all, can effectively address the issues and the questions faced by this fallen world. There is no other worldview that can bring the hope that we have as Christians, knowing that Our Lord has made atonement for each of us; and further, that He has defeated death on our behalf!
We continue on with our consideration of these verses from Philippians 2 tomorrow.
Thank You, Jesus, for Your willingness to lay down everything You had in heaven for me. I am humbled by even the thought of it, my Lord! Help me today to walk in a way that will bring glory to You, Jesus! Amen!