Phil. 2:6-11
Yesterday’s passage focussed very much on Jesus pre-existent state with God and his involvement in creation. Todays’ focus is more on the giving up of that position. Though he was God he did not hold on to his privileged position but humbled himself to human form to be born in a manger. All this happened voluntarily. He allowed himself to be emptied of his proper place and glory, and emptied himself into a human form. You could also read this as he ‘poured’ himself out and into the form of a slave. This perhaps reflects Isaiah 53:12 ‘he poured out his life unto death’. Yet he is still divine, the God/man choosing to live in our human frailty but without sin.
Divine nature is encased in human nature
Divine privilege exchanged for the form of a servant
Divine glory is relinquished for obedience to death. For us death is a necessity, for a divine being it is not, it is an obedience.
Paul declares that because of all this God has elevated him to the highest position of honour. He is looking forward to the day when every knee shall bow and tongue confess that the baby born in a manger is Christ the Lord.
God’s plan is set in motion: birth death, resurrection and ascension have happened. The Spirit has been poured out and the Church begun. There is one more step to come, the return of the Saviour.
Reflection
Another passage written as a poem or hymn. This hymn celebrates the reason for the baby coming, the path of his life on earth and the one he now lives in heaven again. Take a moment to pray through this passage giving thanks to God that all this happened for your salvation, and that you are part of his plan.