Philippians 2:5-11
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to his faithful congregation in Philippi, which is in today’s northern Greece, situated on a major trade route between Europe and Asia and a Roman Colony. Eugene Peterson’s ‘Message’ says this was Paul’s happiest letter and it is believed it was written in AD 60. Paul was in prison at the time, in a dark and dingy cell shackled to a Roman guard. He really loved the Philippians and tried his best to encourage these early Christians.
This passage of scripture is an expression of the joy and gratitude Paul had for Jesus. Paul wanted to remind the Philippians of Christ’s obedience and willingness to accept death on the cross for us. He also sought to hold up Christ as an example of how we should live, so that we too could experience that same joy and happiness in serving others.
At Peace, we often see this joy when we collect ‘Most Needed Items’ for VEAP, serve at Loaves and Fishes, or provide winter clothes to newly arrived refugees. This last fall we had over 100 members stay after church and pack 15,000 meals for ‘Harvest Pack;’ young and old participated with great joy. At Christmas, we shared that joy with our Good Gifts to the world.
Paul had great love for the Philippians. I think he would love Peace too, for I am filled with joy and gratitude at what Peace does year in and year out in serving our living Christ.
Prayer: Lord help us to be more loving and kind and willing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
—Nancy Dynneson