Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
HUMBLE SAVIOR, EXALTED LORD
In just two days we will reach the end of our work week, Friday. This Friday, however, is like no other Friday during the year. It is Good Friday. Good Friday? The world looks at us through the corner of an eye and says, you Christians call it a "good" Friday when your Lord is treated roughly, beaten and put to death?
The Apostle Paul reminds us this morning why we call it Good Friday. Jesus was no victim. He was a willing participant. He humbled Himself. He submitted to this terrible death while burdened by our sin to free us from sin and death.
It is because of His perfect obedience that the Father has exalted Him and separated Him from all others. Every knee shall bow to Him. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and God will be glorified.
Let us remember this, for the Jesus we see on Good Friday does not outwardly look like a man to be honored or exalted. Yet, this bleeding, dying man is Christ, the King. He rules and will rule. Now He rules -- not by force or compulsion -- but by love in the hearts of men through His Gospel. Then He will rule -- coming in glory on the clouds of heaven.
Who is this that comes from Edom, All His raiment stained with blood,
To the captive speaking freedom, Bringing and bestowing good,
Glorious in the garb He wears, Glorious in the spoil he bears?
'Tis the Savior, now victorious, Trav'ling onward in His might;
'Tis the Savior; oh, how glorious To His people is the sight!
Satan conquered and the grave, Jesus now is strong to save.
Mighty Victor, reign forever, Wear the crown so dearly won;
Never shall Thy people, never, cease to sing what Thou hast done.
Thou hast fought Thy people's foes; Thou hast healed Thy people's woes.
[The Lutheran Hymnal, 209:1-2, 4]
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow: of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth. For He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross: wherefore He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Psalm (102:1 ): Hear my prayer, O Lord: and let my cry come unto Thee.
[The Lutheran Hymnal, Introit for Wednesday of Holy Week]
