The Order of Vespers p. 41
Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Form of God
This is one of the most concise, brief, packed messages in the New Testament. The mind of Jesus is to be our minds as well. Has anyone heard this, perhaps after attending an auction and showing something off - "What were you thinking!?" That is plain old language and thought, just as true then as it is now - not complex at all - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
I was thinking about how people address issues with the Gospel, with the faith of Jesus, and contrariwise - with the weapons of the Law. Jesus only told the truth about His opponents and gave them plenty of wisdom about His ministry of grace. Jesus gave them lots of warning but also urged them to accept the truth.
So the issue is how to let the thinking, attitude, and actions be dominated by the Savior. The Law itself can only point out our faults or others - but the Gospel message of the Good Shepherd protects, nourishes, and heals us. Being on a trip with strangers, it is easy to discern. A farmer along the highway - from Italy - answered my questions with, "You need to leave. A truck is coming to deliver rocks." Other strangers were jolly and provided information.
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
This is an age where the divinity of Jesus is ignored and rejected, so it is not surprising that people disdain the divine Name, abuse it, and see no value in it. The wonder of the Two Natures - divine and human - is the reflection of both - God and man. People look at heroes and leaders, who have their flaws. But Jesus gives us the kindness and forgiveness that no one else can, both divine and dying for our sins. He is the Example and the Lamb of God at the same time.
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The cross tells us - Look at the Man, who suffered every kind of abuse and torture, and yet He said, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." The jeering continued but it also spread the Gospel Word, not enormous buildings of glory (the Temple was pulled apart to look for gold). The more the pagans persecuted, the more the Gospel spread, so the pagans became strong Christians, strong in the Faith, strong enough to face the false teachers and soldiers.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- If you disagree with verses 9-11 (we have an extensive audience), just try this exercise and see what happens in a few days, a few weeks, and soon...constantly.
- The idea is to speak out loud about forgiveness through Christ
- and thankfulness to Him for every single way we can give thanks.
- To see if the Word really has power, list out loud every single difficult or threatening thing, painful, sorrowful, etc.
- That may be small at first, but the blessings will increase.
- Take note of the lack becoming more than we can imagine - not the Lottery bankruptcy design but overflowing blessings, often for others.
The Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
