Amy Boucher Pye

Category: Philippians 2 devotionals

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:10–11

    Lord of Lords

     

    Jesus sketch found on flickr by EvelynGiggles
    Jesus sketch found on flickr by EvelynGiggles

    “…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10–11

     

    As I looked around at the multicultural faces on London’s Tube recently, I stood in wonder for a moment at the great diversity of the people created by God. I noticed different colors of skin; some who were short and others tall; those who were old and those who were young; all at different stages of life. As I paused just before hearing that my desired station was closed because of a security alert, I breathed a prayer that this myriad of faces would one day reflect that of Jesus.

    It’s mind-boggling to think that indeed, one day every knee will bow and every tongue proclaim that Jesus is Lord. We don’t know how God will bring about this proclamation; we aren’t the judge or arbiter for the souls of others. But we can do our part to spread the saving news of the gospel – that Jesus through his death and resurrection can make us free.

    I’m generally not brave enough to speak to strangers on the Tube about Jesus, unless matters of faith come up naturally in conversation, but I do sometimes remember to pray for the people crammed into the carriages. And I’m gaining courage in sharing my faith with those in my community – at the school gate or among newcomers at church, for instance.

    Jesus asks us to be his hands and feet. Whom might you meet this day?

     

    Triune God, thank you for that Jesus came to earth to stand in our place. Help us and save us. Amen.

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:9

    Name Above All Names

    “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…” Philippians 2:9

    Jesus

    A year or so ago, CutiePyeGirl uttered “Jesus” as the world often does (or in this case, some of the pupils at her school). My shocked and strong reaction communicated unreservedly that we as Christians prize the name of Jesus. She had parroted another, not understanding what she was saying. Perhaps I responded too strongly, but when I heard her even unknowingly take the Lord’s name in vain, I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. After our discussion, she understood why Jesus is the name above every other name.

    Jesus humbled himself completely by following his Father’s will that he should die on a cross; he was then exalted to the highest place in heaven and earth. And this is why his name is so precious. We’re saved by it. There’s power in it. To the Christian, even its mention brings peace, succor, love, and release.

    Often when I can’t fall asleep, I’ll sing the name of Jesus in my head. This silent prayer stills my inner turmoil and gives me a sense of peace. Or I’ll pray the Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

    How will you use the name of Jesus today?

     

    Lord Jesus Christ, may our lips always bring you glory and praise. Forgive us when we malign you. Amen.

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:6–8

    Human and Divine

    “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! ” Philippians 2:6–8

     

    I love this modern sculpture of the human Jesus, held by his mother. From a cathedral in Germany - wish I took better notes back then! Think in Dresden.
    I love this modern sculpture of the human Jesus, held by his mother. From a cathedral in Germany – wish I took better notes back then! Think it was in Dresden.

    We have come to one of the most well-known and well-loved passages from Paul’s letters, the humiliation and exaltation of Christ. Over the centuries, scholars have debated whether Paul based this part of his letter on an hymn of the early church. We can’t be sure, but we know that Paul longs that the church at Philippi would die to their own agendas and squabbles so that they could have the same mindset as Christ.

    As Paul sits in chains, probably wondering if he’ll be executed, he emphasizes to the church at Philippi the saving and freeing work of Jesus. Though Jesus was of the same nature as God – they were of the same divine substance – he humbled himself and became a man. That Jesus became fully human while still being fully God meant that he could become a bridge between us and God; he lowered himself so that we could have union with God.

    We’ll never be able to humble ourselves as much as Jesus did. But because he emptied himself, as we grow in his likeness, we too can grow in humility and servanthood. Our old self, marked by pride and ambition, recedes in the background as we increasingly exude gentleness and humility.

    Ponder the deep sacrifice Jesus made in taking human form.

     

    Lord Jesus Christ, you emptied yourself so that I might be free. May I share this freedom with others. Amen.

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:5

    The Great Dance

     

    A statue from a cathedral in Germany (sorry, can't remember which one), depicting the Trinity.
    A statue from a cathedral in Germany (sorry, can’t remember which one), depicting the Trinity.

    “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” Philippians 2:5

     

    How can fallen human beings have the same mindset of Christ, he who was without sin? “Impossible!” we might think. And it would be impossible, but for the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and for the filling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Paul writes of this truth in another epistle, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), or as Jesus prayed for his disciples – and for us – on the night before he died, “I in them and you in me” (John 17:23). Jesus dwells in us, just as he dwells in the Father. This is the wonderful embracing dance of the Trinity, who welcomes us into their circle of love.

    When we learn to continually call to mind the amazing truth that God lives in us, our outlook changes and we begin to see the world through God’s eyes. A thought drops into our head from seemingly nowhere, filled with insight and wisdom that we would have to admit is beyond us. Peace washes over us in the midst of harsh circumstances. We find the strength to forgive the friend who betrayed us. We humble ourselves and put first the needs of our spouse, friend, stranger or child. We receive help at the precise moment of our need.

    How might having Christ’s mind change your world today?

     

    Lord Jesus Christ, help us to remain in you even as you remain in us. May we keep your commandments and remain in your love. Amen.

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:3–4

    Upside-down World

     

    “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3–4

    He washes their feet... he prepares to die for them. The exemplar of true humility.
    He washes their feet… he prepares to die for them. The exemplar of true humility.

     

    To value humility today is to act counterculturally. We’re told by endless advertising campaigns that we’re worth it, and that we should treat ourselves to the things we desire – even if we have to step over others to get them. In the cut-throat world of business, humility can be viewed as weakness. That’s certainly portrayed in Hollywood films as well. But Jesus exemplifies true strength. Though the strongest man in the world, he became the weakest – and in the process turned the wisdom of the world on its head.

    Paul wanted the church at Philippi to stop bickering and acting selfishly. Later in the letter (4:2–3) he names two women who had been sparring, pleading with them to stop, for he knew that the infighting was detracting from the mission of the church.

    So too with us. I could recount many stories where I put myself first. No doubt my husband could corroborate, and dig out some anecdotes that I forgot. But I take comfort knowing that God is in the business of transformation. When he leads us to value others more than ourselves, we begin to see their needs and discover opportunities to serve. And when we open our eyes and our hearts to those around us, God pours out his blessings on us. He still turns that worldly wisdom upside down.

     

    Lord God, forgive us for putting our own needs first. Help us to rejoice at the success of others. Amen.

     

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:2

    Like Minded

     

    “…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2

    300px-Angelsatmamre-trinity-rublev-1410
    Rublev’s icon of the Trinity – the gold standard of like-mindedness

    “What do you have in mind?” one friend asks the others as they decide where to go out to eat. A trivial example, admittedly, but when friends reach a common mind, the chosen restaurant can foster a setting for rich conversation and communion. Whereas if one person claims not to care, or doesn’t voice their desires out of fear, he or she may end up stewing all evening, affecting the mood of everyone.

    Here the apostle Paul tells the believers at Philippi to put aside their individual agendas and concerns in favor of those of their neighbours. As they each seek the mind of Christ, they will be brought together in a common purpose. With the Holy Spirit living and breathing through them, they will find unity with each other. The comfort, compassion, tenderness, and love they receive from God is what they can pass on to strangers and neighbors.

    Being like-minded with those whom we live or work or worship can, of course, be a challenge. We all have our own ideas about what constitutes right living, and often we don’t hold back from sharing with others – whether which is the right way to fold the clothes or mow the lawn or manage a project.

    Is there a “difficult” person in your life? If so, perhaps this week you could challenge yourself to seek unity with them on just one issue.

     

    Father God, in you we live and move and have our being. May we gain the mind of Christ. Amen.

  • Devotional of the week: Philippians 2:1

    Clothed in Christ

     

    DSCN0732
    The robes of righteousness – bestowed to us via the cross of Christ

    “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…” Philippians 2:1 (NIV)

    Union with Christ – an unattainable mystery or a life-changing reality? The apostle Paul would argue for the latter; this gift of Jesus dwelling in us appears throughout his letters to the churches, including this letter to Philippi. As we slough off the old self – that which is prone to anger, bitterness, jealousy, greed – and put on the new – that which is marked by peace, faithfulness, goodness, self-control – we put on Jesus. As Paul said to the Romans, we clothe ourselves with Jesus (13:14), outside and in.

    In this crisp passage we’ll be focusing on for the next few weeks, Paul is concerned with the unity of believers that springs forth from our union in Christ. Though he was away from the church at Philippi, held in a prison for his beliefs, yet he pours himself out for those whom he is concerned, imploring them to live as new creations.

    Have you enjoyed a friendship with someone who, like Paul, champions you and your faith, even when sometimes that feels uncomfortable? When I’ve been on the receiving end of admonition or constructive criticism, I’ve felt an initial sting. But after prayer and reflection, and maybe just a bit of controlled ranting, I can see how God has used that person to challenge me to be more authentically the person he has made me to be.

    May we too, be open to speaking God’s words of love and wisdom.

     

    Triune God, may we put off the old self today and live clothed in Jesus. Amen.