Letter from Exile 11
God’s Word: Philippians 2:5-8
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Reflection:
Do you like to sing? I have the desire of a rockstar, but without any of the talent. I mean it. I am surprisingly bad. I think this is why I love performing karaoke at home with my kiddos so much. With zero risk, I get a moment of musical euphoria with an approving audience. My kids are easy to please. But giving myself to music is something I try to do regularly. Why? Well, music has a way of getting into our souls and “educating” our emotions. I love it so much. I am that guy who when I find a lyric that captures my imagination, I will play that song on repeat….again and again.
Did you know that theologians believe that the words of Philippians 2:6-11 are actually lyrics to a hymn that early Christians used to sing together? It is known as the Christ Hymn. Sometimes, your translators will even do you the favor of indenting those 5 verses so that the reader can see its artistic form, thus separating that portion from the rest of the letter.
sing it into your soul. Let the words educate and shape your emotions and thoughts.
Here’s why I mention it: Paul exhorts the church to “have this mind among yourselves”. How does one do that? One way is to sing it into your soul. Let the words educate and shape your emotions and thoughts. How else will we, like Jesus, “empty” ourselves out for others? What does that even mean?
My professor in seminary, Dr. Bryan Chapell, once told a story that has stuck with me. In the remote parts of Africa, there was a tribe led by a wise and noble Chief. There were two ways that an outsider could identify him as the chief. First, he wore the most beautiful (and large) headdress and ceremonial robes. Second, he was incontestably the strongest man. His stature and physique were impressive. In fact, it was his wisdom and nobility coupled with his physique that inspired the tribe to receive him as chief.
One day, a man from his tribe was hauling water out of the shaft of a very deep well. But on his way up, the man fell. The fall was violent and he broke his leg. The man laid helpless at the bottom of the well. Now, to get to him, one would have to climb down to the bottom of this very deep well using alternating slits. And then climb back up, an even more difficult task.
Because no one could carry this man, the chief was called. When the chief saw the predicament of one of his own tribesmen, he took off his beautiful headdress and robe, set aside his status, and went down to get him. The chief climbed all the way to the bottom, put the injured man on his shoulders, and climbed up to safety. No other man was physically capable to do such a feat. Only the chief could rescue this man, and he did.
This is a glimpse of what Jesus did for us. He set aside his heavenly glory. Jesus “took off” his status and emptied himself of his glory. He became the rescuing servant. He went down--all the way down. He put a cross on his shoulders and rescued us. He did for us what no one else could do.
In the stillness of curfews and quarantines, would you fill the void and replace the anxiety/fear with songs of redemption? Let’s sing this song into our hearts.
Listen, I am writing to you from exile (i.e. quarantine). Things are still. I am asking Jesus to meet me in this precise space. I don’t want my life to be put on pause. I want to change and grow. I want my mind and emotions to be especially shaped by the gospel song. These truths can shape you if you let them.
In the stillness of curfews and quarantines, would you fill the void (and replace the anxiety/fear) with songs of redemption? Let’s sing this song into our hearts until we “have the mind” of Christ shaping us from the inside out. Put it on repeat, it's a good one.
Prayer:
Father, I admit that quarantine has made me want to “fill” myself instead of “emptying” myself. I am so quick to fill my life with national news, information, social media, and Netflix. Lord, let the Christ Hymn pour over my life like the musical score to a movie. Spirit, please soften my heart so that these truths change me. I need you, now more than ever. I pray in the name of Jesus, the God-Servant, Amen.
Praying outside of ourselves:
Pray that the hearts of all citizens of Puerto Rico would find blessing and patience with the Governor’s leadership and restrictions.
Pray for those who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, to have a meaningful sense of the Lord’s loving presence as they fight and recover.
Pray for business owners to have extreme wisdom as they make difficult decisions for both creating successful and sustainable businesses and seeking employee welfare.
Pray for children, adolescence, and parents to be surprised by intimate and tender moments together.