January 21 – Jesus Christ is Lord

January 21 – Jesus Christ is Lord

Philippians 2:6-11

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.

These two verses are an early Christian hymn.  Have you ever considered how awesome it is that we lift up the same words as those who knew Paul and were only a generation or so away from Jesus Christ?  These words were sung by those Christians (though they were sung in Greek) as they worshiped Jesus Christ!  Many scholars believe that Paul lifted these words from that hymn and incorporated them into his letter to the church in Philippi.

The word ‘nature’ in these verses is the Greek word ‘morphe’ and is really only used here in the New Testament and Paul uses it twice to make a point.  Jesus Christ who had the form of God, took the form of a servant.  The first verse speaks to Jesus’ pre-existent state.  Before he came to earth, he was God.  Equality wasn't an issue for him.  He was, as part of the Trinity, God.  Since He had no need to attempt to grab equality with God (He already had it), he could release the appearance … the form … the nature of God and become a servant, a man.

When he became a human, he took the form of a servant. He humbled himself, made himself obedient to the needs of humanity and the demands of a righteous God.  He gave Himself up to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we could be in relationship with God.

Because of this, he was exalted … not in heaven, but for us.  Now, the name of Jesus is above every name.  Every knee should bow in all of creation and every tongue confess that he IS Lord.

He is Lord.