by Luann Anderson
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6–11
When Jesus was no longer with his disciples, new words were found by the early Christian community to express the mystery of God’s compassionate love. Many point to Philippians 2:6–11 as the Hymn of Christ, among the most beautiful and profound exhortations of Christ-like love and humility.
The Hymn of Christ has love letter qualities. I think of how meaningful love letters are, whether from a grateful spouse, an adoring kindergarten graduate, or an adult child on Father’s Day. How long has it been since we took time to write the Lord a love note? There are so many ways that I love the Lord, but I don’t always tell Him. As I consider the ways He blesses me (as countless as the stars), I am struck by the beauty of his character. I see Strength, Justice, Glory, Compassion, and Mercy—these are just a few words to describe Him and the gifts He gives each day. We can learn from Paul’s example in Philippians, and the examples of others. The Psalmist sings, I love you, O LORD, my strength (Psalm 18:1). I a’m sure God would like to hear more expressions of love from his children.
How can we love and trust God more completely? We can love him through our devotion, through worship, through service, and even through slowing down our hectic pace of life. We can love Him in prayer and in delighting in his creation. It might look a little different for each of us, but God wants us to love Him extravagantly, just as He loves us.
The Hymn of Christ helps us see God’s divine love for us in his coming as a servant and revealing himself as God. In turn, we confess that He is our Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We sing hymns and write letters of love, each and every day.
