Word@Work Phil17 - Philippians 2:9-11
Published: Fri, 10/16/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
MASSIVE REVERSAL
Phil. 2:9-11 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. (NIV)
The word 'therefore' refers back to v5-8 in which the humble servanthood of Christ is the example for normal Christian behaviour. In His obedience to the Father's will, the cross came as no surprise, and neither did the glory which He was to receive. Jesus went from the lowest place, as the substitute for sinners, to the highest place as the supreme ruler of all creation.
The shame which surrounded Him on the cross was to be replaced by the Name of 'Almighty God' (see Is 9:6); and the stumbling journey to Calvary would be replaced by every human being bowing before Him. From being the victim of the "Crucify Him" cries, He is now awaiting the day when every voice will cry out that He is Lord. Such a mighty reversal was planned by God, and it was the reward for His obedience and endurance. Of course, Jesus could see through the cross to the crown which awaited Him (see Heb 12:2-3); and He knew that the ultimate shame was temporary. Nevertheless, He still had to endure all the agony; but not hopelessly. Instead He endured purposefully, both for our sakes, and for His.
Those who despise the Lord Jesus now will have a big shock when he returns in glory (see Matt 24:30-31; 1 Thess 4:16-17). On that day they will know that they were so wrong about Him, which is why worldly people will mourn (see Rev 1:7). But it will be a great day for those believers who have been downtrodden and despised because of their faith; for they will see the glorious future they will share with their Lord. So, be encouraged; in God's hand, big reversals of justice do happen ... it was like that for Jesus and it will be for all those who endure for His sake too.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for giving Jesus the highest place, and for promising that one day everybody will see Him as He is. I pray for my friends and colleagues who have not submitted to Him as yet: I ask that you will help me to be faithful to Jesus in my lifestyle and gospel proclamation so that they may gladly receive Him while there is still time, before it is too late. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
The word 'therefore' refers back to v5-8 in which the humble servanthood of Christ is the example for normal Christian behaviour. In His obedience to the Father's will, the cross came as no surprise, and neither did the glory which He was to receive. Jesus went from the lowest place, as the substitute for sinners, to the highest place as the supreme ruler of all creation.
The shame which surrounded Him on the cross was to be replaced by the Name of 'Almighty God' (see Is 9:6); and the stumbling journey to Calvary would be replaced by every human being bowing before Him. From being the victim of the "Crucify Him" cries, He is now awaiting the day when every voice will cry out that He is Lord. Such a mighty reversal was planned by God, and it was the reward for His obedience and endurance. Of course, Jesus could see through the cross to the crown which awaited Him (see Heb 12:2-3); and He knew that the ultimate shame was temporary. Nevertheless, He still had to endure all the agony; but not hopelessly. Instead He endured purposefully, both for our sakes, and for His.
Those who despise the Lord Jesus now will have a big shock when he returns in glory (see Matt 24:30-31; 1 Thess 4:16-17). On that day they will know that they were so wrong about Him, which is why worldly people will mourn (see Rev 1:7). But it will be a great day for those believers who have been downtrodden and despised because of their faith; for they will see the glorious future they will share with their Lord. So, be encouraged; in God's hand, big reversals of justice do happen ... it was like that for Jesus and it will be for all those who endure for His sake too.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for giving Jesus the highest place, and for promising that one day everybody will see Him as He is. I pray for my friends and colleagues who have not submitted to Him as yet: I ask that you will help me to be faithful to Jesus in my lifestyle and gospel proclamation so that they may gladly receive Him while there is still time, before it is too late. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WPhil17 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group