A Christ Hymn
OUR attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became 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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Many scholars believe that the above is an ancient hymn or chant which the early church used in their regular gatherings of worship. When Paul was speaking to the people in the church of Philippi he used these words, which may have been in common use in the Philippian's worship, as a reminder of how they were to order their lives and how they were to relate to one another.
By seeking Jesus' face in our interactions with one another we might see the real transformation in our personal lives that God desires. The example of Jesus' life and death and glorification are used as a model for our growth in relationship to one another. This short passage combines two vital pieces of the Christian life: good theology and good practice (Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy). In it we are reminded of the essential truth that Jesus was fully human yet fully God. At the same time, we are reminded that the consequence of this truth is to be transformed relationships between those people that God has redeemed.
The "Christ Hymn" ends with yet another important challenge to us which is worship. Every encounter with Jesus, every engagement that we have with theological endeavor or inquiry should have as its ultimate result acts of worship. If our theology doesn't lead to doxology we should investigate whether our theology is truly Christian or not.
At Wheatland I intend for us to make this "hymn" a regular part of our worship as it becomes a part of lives. With God's grace it will transform us, and our relationships with one another, from the inside out.
posted by The Wheatland Mission @ 9:56 AM
2 Comments:
My favorite meaningful tradition with the Thiessen family is to sing The Doxology before prayer at our meals together. It is always a beautiful experience to hear my family's voices offer the unspoken instruction of spontaneous praise.
Cody was a bit overwhelmed the first time he experienced it. Now he chimes in.
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen."
The amen part is always so beautiful, comforting...then Grandpa prays.
It is nearly impossible to sing this song if you don't really mean it. For this reason, to me, singing this together really builds community with my family.
I am excited for how the verses in your post will build community with our church body.
I was reflecing on what it means to have something in our very nature. It is farther than us owning an idea. I think it has more to do with letting this idea own us. What a picture this is of Paul being so consumed by the spirit that it is "his very nature" to use this hymm or chant to encourage others. If this was indeed a hymm used commonly throughout worship in the early church, would these words not resignate deeper when offered in a manner of spirit filled worship to stregthen and encourage his fellow believers. Oh yeah and he was in prison too right? When we mention somthing being in the very nature of our Lord, I think it is a good idea to keep our eyes open. This was a good sign, here is a character quality of our Holy Father.
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