Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:9
Verses 5-11 are probably a quotation from an ancient hymn.
He that drew the adoration of Heaven, came to earth a helpless baby, lived humbly, served paupers, and was given the name Jesus. His model is our call. The Prince of Heaven, relinquished all His entitlements, including His life, to personally show us the way Home.
The Philippian church was Paul’s first mission in Europe. Home to Luke, it was a medical center, Roman colony and prosperous region. This church suffered its share of persecution, but divisions in theology began to arise. Rather than remind this congregation of the fundamentals in Christian living, Paul wrote to encourage greater spiritual maturity. Live as Christ lived. Put away pride and prejudice, love and serve others without question or malice and live in accord with one another.
Jesus: A name that sets the captive free, calms the storms, heals the broken in body and soul and gives strength to the weary. It is above all others.
Happy Monday,
Gretchen