For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

In December in the midst of the consumerism around us we must remember Jesus’ first coming. We are waiting in anticipation, looking to His return, when He reconciles His creation to Himself.

In yesterday’s passage we saw that Jesus gave up His privileges as the Son of God out of love for us. He became incarnated love, not in the form of a king, but as a carpenter. Imagine being the creator of all things and being told to make a chair, it must have been humbling.

Today’s passage shows us that in response to Jesus’ obedience at the cross, the Father exalted Jesus. Close your eyes. Imagine Jesus in his position as King, at the right hand of the Father. Psalm 145:1 says: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.”

Over and over, out of pride, I have tried to rule myself and I have failed. I pursue things and the praise of others, and yet even when I receive them I find no peace. The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that Jesus as King protects us and fights all of our enemies. When we our protected by the King of Kings we are truly at peace. But first we must subject ourselves to His Lordship. There can only be one king in our life.

But how to serve our King? The King has commissioned us as ambassadors to let those around us know that the King is offering amnesty and protection to anyone who will repent. Living out and sharing the gospel message requires humbling ourselves, setting aside our privileges and following the pattern of Jesus, in love.
One day every knee will bow to the King. One day His kingdom will be fully realized on earth. We are one year closer. Commit to humble yourself and exalt Jesus as Lord and King in your life today, and rest in His peace.

Weekly Bible Verse: The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Psalm 19.1