The Depths of Love

Philippians 2:5-11 is such a stunning portrayal of the gospel.

In yesterday’s message, Pastor Franco contrasted Christ’s humility against the pride of Roman culture, as well as Lucifer.

Considering that Roman society was so stratified and wasn’t upwardly mobile in terms of class, what Paul is saying here is incredibly radical and countercultural.

Roman culture was so steeped in pride that what you wore let everyone know your class. You dared not wear what wasn’t yours to wear.

But Jesus?

The King willingly became a servant.

A servant obedient to death.

Even death on a cross.

A leveling down that would never happen in Roman culture.

This “leveling down” is why he’s now glorified.

When you contrast Jesus against Lucifer, it gets even better.

Lucifer aspired higher and got cast down.

Jesus came down and is now lifted high.

Jesus took on the form of man.

He “dressed” as a commoner.

For all who belong to Christ Jesus, we are cloaked in righteousness acquired through no effort of our own.

It’s almost like spiritual “stolen valor.”

Except it’s not.

Because we could have never stolen it.

It could only have been given

By a savior

Willing to plunge

Unfathomable depths

That we might one day

Be gloriously resurrected with him

To reign forever.