Jesus, a name that brings Joy for Eternity!

Today’s passage is amazingly beautiful, descriptive of our Savior and presents us with a challenge and hope for the future. Philippians 2:5-11 is a well known and often quoted portion of scripture. I like the New Living Translation of this passage,

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. (our challenge as believers)

⁶Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
⁷Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
⁸    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

⁹Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What was Jesus’ attitude? He was not filled with self-pride. He could have been as He was God and possessed power and might beyond measure. But, He acted with sacrificial humility and came to earth in human form with the purpose of saving us though His death on the cross. He was obedient to God’s plan of redemption. The result was God honored His obedience forever and made us all be subject to Jesus. What a challenge to live each day with an attitude like Christ’s with humility, a servant’s heart, a willingness to put others first and with pure devotion and love for God. Only through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit is it possible. Jesus promised in Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Live life each day, trusting in the power of Jesus, the name above all names!

As I read this passage, I am awestruck by Jesus’ humility and sacrifice. He gave up His position in heaven to come to earth to save and to serve. How much He must love us!

My joy is increased today:

as I consider how much God loves me.
as I see that obedience brings blessings.
as I see that no matter how things look right now, God has a plan for eternity and is in His control.
as I realize that Jesus in King now and forever!