Philippians 2:8-11

Passage

Being in human form, He humbled Himself to the point of being willing to die – even to to die by the means of a cross.  Therefore God has exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him a name that is superior to any other name.  In this way, every knee shall bow to Jesus – every knee in heaven, on earth, and below the earth.  Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is indeed Lord so that the Father may be glorified.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Here we arrive at the depth of Paul’s argument.  Jesus was humble.  He was humble enough to die when the Father asked it of Him.  But He wasn’t just willing to die; He was willing to die via the means of crucifixion.  Crucifixion was one of the most publically embarrassing and personally painful ways to die.  He was willing to do that simply because the Father asked it of Him.  That is submission.  That is humbleness.  That is humbleness directed to the Father.

How willing are you to be humble to the Father?  Will you follow Him wherever He leads?  What aren’t you willing to give up for God?  What might that teach you about yourself?

Second Thought:

The Father exalted Jesus.  In fact, He bestowed a glorious name upon Jesus.  Again we see the use of the word bestowed: give generously.  In the first chapter, God bestowed both faith and suffering upon those who believe.  Here we see God bestowing glory, superiority, and exaltation.  To those who are willing to submit, God gives faith, which comes with persecution, but leads to glory and power and honor.  All of this – the good and the bad – are generously given out from the Father.

How has God been generous in your life?  When you think of God’s generosity, what do you normally think of: stuff, relationships, or spirituality?  Can God be generous in all of those areas?  Is He generous in those areas in your life?  How have you been given faith, suffering, and glory?

Third Thought:

Every knee shall bow.  Every tongue shall confess.  Perhaps not here in this age; but in the age to come all will see that Jesus is Lord.  For some, that confession will be too late.  But that doesn’t change the reality that all will confess.  Jesus is Lord.  Everything of substance has been done through Him and will continue to be done through Him.  Of course, all of this is for the glory of the Father.

Do you bow to Jesus?  Do you confess Him before God and others?  What do you think it means for every knee above, on, and below the earth to bow to Jesus?

Passage for Tomorrow: Philippians 2:12-13