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Dec 25, 2022

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9-11

Clearly the central focus of the entire Bible is Jesus Christ.  He is foreseen in the books of the Old Testament, often in shrouded language whose glory is revealed when Christ appears in human form.  The mountain peaks of revelation are found in the New Testament, where the mystery and majesty of Christ stand out in unmistakable and unforgettable splendor.  

Philippians 2:5-11 is one of the most magnificent passages in the New Testament in terms of the exalting of the supremacy of Jesus over all things.  

There is a certain symmetry to the description of Christ here.  The glory of His divinity in eternity past is declared in Philippians 2:6, which speaks of Christ being "in the form of God" because of His "equality with God."  Then in verse 7 we have the humiliating incarnation of Christ "taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."  Then in verses 9-11 we have the restoration of Christ's heavenly glory as God the Father exalts His Son to the highest degree imaginable.  "God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" (Phil 2:9).

Some say that the name given to Christ is Jesus, which is mentioned in verse 10.  It is better to conclude that the name given to Christ is 'Lord', mentioned in verse 11.  This is a statement of the divinity and supreme glory of Christ.  (1) In the Old Testament God's 'name' represents His essence and His glory.  "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other" (Isa 42:8).  (2) In Philippians 2:10,11 Paul is borrowing the wording from Isaiah 45:23, which refers to God.  (3) The Greek word for 'lord' here (kurios) is the word used to translate the Hebrew word YHWH in the Greek translation of the Old Testament.  

That our Savior is supreme, in every way, should fill us with humility and joy and hope and strength.  Let us ever praise and adore Him on bended knee.