“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11 

Scripture reading: Philippians 2:5-11 and John 17:1-26

What we have in our text is a striking contrast to what we see in vv.6-8. For Jesus, the humble servant of God, Who gave Himself up to death on a cross is now exalted to the highest heights of glory! For this exaltation is a reward from His Father for His perfect saving work! (John 17:1-5). This is a glory He enjoys now, but it also has a future goal, for, in time, all the created order will be subject to His glorious majesty! (Philippians 2:9-11) And yet, why does Paul speak of the glory of Christ right after his charge to live the humble servant life?

We might sum it up this way: (1) It convicts us that this humble servant’s life is the only life we can live before God! For this is the way Jesus went. This is the way that is pleasing to God, and this is the only way that ends in glory. (2) It reminds us also of the love of Jesus for His elect, that He suffered and died to “bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18) so that we might be with Him forever. And (3) it assures us that even though we face many trials and adversities, the glorious end of our faith is in eternal glory with our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, we are called to the humble servant life on earth, but we look for our eternal reward to come with Christ from heaven!

Suggestions for prayer

Give thanks to God for the eternal riches you have in Christ! Ask Him to strengthen you to live that humble, giving, selfless life for the sake of the church and as part of your witness to the world.

Rev. Ancel Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.