I had Amy read Phil. 2:1-16 today. Verses 5-11 really stood out to me during her reading. She grabbed a Bible from the bookshelf, not her normal one. This version is New International Reader's Version.
"You should think in the same way Christ Jesus does. In his very nature he was God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something he should hold on to. Instead, he made himself nothing. He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form. He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level. He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death. In fact, he died on a cross. So God lifted him up to the highest place. He gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship him. Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory."
The words in italics are what struck me. Christ's obedience was perfect. It sets an example for us. How obedient are we? I think we have difficultly obeying the most basic commands, like respecting our husbands, loving our wives, honoring our parents, etc.
Thankfully, Isaiah 55:10, 11 is true. This is from the same version as above.
"The rain and the snow come down from the sky. They do not return to it without watering the earth. They make plants come up and grow. The plants produce seeds for farmers. They also produce food for people to eat. The words I speak are like that. They will not return to me without producing results. They will accomplish what I want them to. They will do exactly what I sent them to do."
God's word will work in our hearts.
2 comments:
The chapter you quoted is chapter 2 not 4. It is very evident to me from this passage that it was the ONE God that came to earth in the flesh, not a "third of the godhead/trinity." It is a very humbling passage in any translation.
Thanks for the correction.
Post a Comment