Daily Devotion

Christ Jesus…Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 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.

Philippians 2:6-11

Some Bible scholars believe that Philippians 2:6-11 may have been part of an early Christian hymn. Believers praised the Son of God because he "made himself nothing" and chose to put aside his own rights and privileges as God to become a man. Not just any man, but a lowly servant.  Even more, he gave himself over to be executed as a criminal on a cross. How high he was, and how low he came! Yet look at what the early Christians also sang about. They praised Jesus Christ who rose victoriously from the dead and is now exalted to the highest glory of heaven.  One day, the Christians confessed, Jesus will appear and everyone will acknowledge him as Lord and King, and Jesus will reign in glorious triumph.

A Christmas card once captured the truth of this hymn by illustrating the exceptional character of Jesus.  On the front of the card was a depiction of many kings and dictators who have appeared throughout history: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Lenin. The caption on the front of the card said: "History is crowded with men who would be gods." Then on the inside were the words: "But only one God who would be man."

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  For the next six weeks our hearts will be focused especially on the willingness of Jesus to become a man and be the sacrifice for our sins.  In our Lenten meditation we will marvel at his love that led him to such deep humility to rescue us from hell.  And like those early Christians, we will also rejoice in his Easter victory and look forward to joining the mass of people at the end of time to confess him as our exalted Lord!

Lord Jesus, especially during the upcoming Lenten season grant that the message of your wondrous love may draw me closer to you and fill me with gratitude for all you did to save me from death and rescue me from hell.  Keep me in the faith that I may be among those on the last day who joyfully confess that you are Lord. Amen.