Philippians 2:5-11 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 2:5-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, Verse 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, Verse 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, Verse 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death- even death on a cross. Verse 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, Verse 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Verse 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Devotion
Adopt the same attitude that was in Christ Jesus, Paul instructs in his letter to the church in Philippi. So what about this attitude that Jesus possessed? He had every right to think of himself as something special. He was after all in the same form as God. Yet, now in human form, Jesus humbled himself. Instead of a domineering king, Jesus became a servant, a slave even, property of the people around him. Gods aren’t supposed to be slaves! When we make someone our property, we take away all of their power. But in the case of Jesus, his power was in fact because of his humility and his giving himself even to the point of death. From the power in this gift of his life, his name has become the name that has the power to unite all people. As followers of this humble King, may we too be compelled to unite together and serve one another in his name.
Prayer
Jesus, we confess that we often fight instead of unite in your name. Bring us closer to each other and teach us your unity. Amen.