Check back each Monday for a short devotional to help you start the week off well.
“He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death— his death on the cross. For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11)
Crucifixion was a gruesome way to be tortured to death. Yet Jesus, who had no sin, willingly went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. As one anonymous author put it, “I asked Jesus, ‘How much do you love me?’ And Jesus said, ‘This much.’ Then he stretched out his arms and died.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there is no authority higher than Jesus, no other savior that we should seek. Jesus obediently conquered the grave, and is therefore Lord of all. By the way, the word ‘exalt’ means to place in a high level of authority. What did God the Father do for Jesus the Son of God after he died for our sins? Why did he do that for Jesus?
What two things will everyone one day do in the presence of Jesus? Are you doing that today?
How openly and frequently are we sharing our faith with others that they may understand that Jesus Christ is Lord?
Whatever we may do in our lives, who should get the glory?
These words from the Apostle Paul are worth memorizing, and then visiting with regularity.
Almighty God, thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to live my life in a way that honors you. Give me the courage and confidence to tell others how they too can make Jesus the Lord of their lives. Amen.