The Scripture passage today embodies some of the highest Christology in the New Testament: The Incarnation, Humiliation, and Exaltation of Christ. That’s Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and Ascension Sunday all in one go!

The Incarnation (Philippians 2:6-7). He emptied Himself. He did not exploit His divine status for personal gain. He climbed down three giant steps. From the form of God to the form of man to the form of a slave.

The Humiliation (Philippians 2:8). He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death: Taunted and tortured. Paraded in open shame. Stripped naked and hung up on display. A failed Messiah in the eyes of the world.

The Exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11): God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God.

Astonishing! If not upsetting for Paul’s readers.

In the first place, being Roman citizens, they grew up with a bundle of entitlements shared by only 10% of the population of the empire. They knew how to stand up for their rights at the expense of others.

And that’s what some of them are doing in the church now. They should know better.

Secondly, as Roman citizens the Philippians owe special devotion to Emperor Nero. At the time of this letter he was literally venerated as Lord and Saviour. But as citizens of the Kingdom, Paul’s readers owe their ultimate allegiance to the “One name that holds weight above them all” (Hillsong).

Herein lies the dilemma for the Philippian believers. In a prestigious Roman colony like Philippi, citizens are obliged to venerate if not worship the emperor at every public event (Gordon Fee). Failing to do so makes them misfits in the community and targets for persecution.

Paul’s readers, therefore, must be prepared not just to believe in Christ but also to share in His humiliation (Philippians 1:29). This is God’s answer to all the selfish ambition and vain conceit in the world and in the Church today.

Pray Now

1 Name-dropping is a symptom of selfish ambition and vain conceit. You know, “the act of talking about famous people that you have met, often pretending that you know them better than you really do, in order to appear more important and special” (Cambridge Dictionary).

Know someone with this problem? Is it you? Whoever it is, let us all humble ourselves and pray. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Lord, we repent. We reject the impulse to name-drop. We will immerse ourselves in Your Word until we encounter Christ, the Famous One, whose humility is unmatched, whose greatness is unsurpassed. May we grow deeper in our relationship with Him. Thank You, God, for counting us worthy to be identified with the One Name that is higher than any other.

2 Sing! Turn lyrics into intercession: “One name holds weight above them all. His fame outlasts the earth He formed. His praise resounds beyond the stars and echoes in our hearts. The greatest One of all. There is no other name. Jesus Christ our God” (Hillsong).

3 When Christ returns, every knee will bow and tongue confess that He is Lord. But then it will be too late for the 82% unsaved in our city – unless we intentionally reach out and introduce them to Jesus now! Fact is, the majority of Singaporeans are open to spiritual things. An IPS 2021 report revealed that 80.1% believe in God, 69.9% believe in life after death, 70% believe there’s a hell, 72.8% believe there’s a heaven. Thus our city is ripe and open for Good News!

Ask God to possess you with His tender mercies and unconditional love for the 82% unsaved. And a great sense of urgency to introduce them to the One and Only Name by which they can be saved! Cry out especially for those who think that doing good merits their salvation. Invoke the name of Jesus against the god of this world who blinds their minds from the light of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). Proclaim Christ our Emmanuel, God with us.

4 As we transit to living with Covid-19, the lingering impact of the crisis is real. Some are still languishing in fear, anxiety, and depression. Speak the name of Jesus over them. He knows who they are. Turn lyrics into intercession:

“I just want to speak the name of Jesus over every heart and every mind. ‘Cause I know there is peace within your presence. I speak Jesus.

“I just want to speak the name of Jesus ’til every dark addiction starts to break. Declaring there is hope and there is freedom. I speak Jesus.

“Cause Your name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is life. Break every stronghold. Shine through the shadows. Burn like a fire.

“I just want to speak the name of Jesus over fear and all anxiety. To every soul held captive by depression. I speak Jesus.

“Shout Jesus from the mountains. Jesus in the streets. Jesus in the darkness over every enemy. Jesus for my family. I speak the holy name, Jesus!”

Follow Salt&Light on Telegram, Facebook or Instagram for more of LoveSingapore’s daily devotions until August 8, 2022.