December 10, 2009 – High Above the Trees
Scripture: Philippians 2:8-11 (MSG)
Because of that obedience, God lifted Him [Jesus] high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father
Devotion:
Matthew tells us this, “Again, the devil took him [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he [the devil] said, “if you will bow down and worship me.’” Worship – mostly pagan – was and is done on the high places. The devil offered Jesus an easy way to get control of the kingdoms of the world but as we know Jesus turned him down.
The letter to the Philippians tells us that because Jesus was obedient, God lifted Him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything. That obedience led to the cross – death on a “tree”. Jesus was lifted up “higher than the tree”, high above all else, even death! Jesus is Master of all and that means everything is under His control: time, space, heaven, earth, life, and death. We will join in with all the saints and bow in worship before Him.
Jesus, Master of all, thank You for Your obedience. Thank You for not giving in to the easy way. Give us the strength to resist temptation and to resist evil. Join our hearts with all Your people in praise and worship of You. Amen.