Beneath the city of Rome there is a labyrinth of caves and tunnels. In ancient times the walls of these “catacombs” served as a burial place for the poor. It was here that the early Christians met to worship when their faith was outlawed and the Emperor of Rome sent his legionnaires in search of them. Their chanted hymns reverberated from the catacomb walls as they praised the LORD—a King far greater than any ruler of any earthly empire. Here’s part of one of those hymns, as we find it recorded in Philippians chapter two.
Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be used to his own
advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming 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 acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Rome’s emperors are no more but Jesus Christ still reigns. He who came into this world on our behalf is still one of us. He rules all things for the sake of those who trust in Him—so that we might finally live with Him forever. Then heaven’s walls will ring with praises to Him. |
