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
Some consider Paul's passage from Philippians to be the earliest Christian hymn still in existence today. It has proclaimed our Good News now for thousands of years: that, with our interest in mind, Jesus gave up everything to become human. He died on the cross and rose from the dead, in order for our sins to be forgiven.
Our hymn today recognizes how empty our spiritual lives would be without this message. How does this hymn-this message-give purpose to your life? Paul's entrance into this hymn may give you some traction: "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." How do you live? Do you take thought not just for your own interests but for others too? I live in an aging neighborhood built on a very steep hill. I am faced with the same dilemma every time it snows or when it is time to cut the grass. Do I help shovel the seniors' sidewalks and mow their steep inclines? Will I ever stop doing my chores and show interest in theirs?
Prayer
Thank you for putting our interests in front of your own. Give us the strength to do the same for those who need us most. Amen.