Philippians 2:5-11 continues to be a challenging passage in my life – a call to emulating the humility of Jesus. Last week as I was preparing for Easter and the resurrection of Jesus I spent a good chunk of time meditating on these powerful words of Paul. I decided to re-write them into my own words.
Jesus, created in God’s shape and likeness,
was not even entertaining the thought of being God’s equal.
Instead, he emptied everything of himself – his own plans, dreams, hopes, desires and preferences
and took on the essence of someone who serves – a human!
He had all the qualities of human-ness and chose the path that led to deep humility,
and was even willing to go so far as to submit himself to death!
But not just death. Death by its most inhumane form imaginable: crucifixion!
Because of all of this, God the Father -His Father – lifted him up
from his lowly state to the highest place
and gave him a name and a title that no one else was worthy of receiving
one so revered that when people hear Jesus’ name
they too will bow in humble reverence in his presence.
And not just here on earth – but all throughout the entire created order – the entire cosmos!
Everyone will admit that Jesus is the most significant and essential person
fit for the redemption and salvation of the entire world.
And all this will be done to make God more famous.