Philippians 2:5-11
5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6 who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
7 but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
8 he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
“… 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. …”
It is clear from this passage that the Gospel is meant for everyone. No matter the faith or cultural background, the Good News of Jesus Christ is given for all the world. It is a universal message of hope, peace, and light.
Unfortunately, throughout the centuries, some have used it as a stick to beat people into submission. Rather than an invitation to hear and receive what God is doing through Jesus Christ, some have tried to force feed the Gospel into the mouths and hearts of those not ready or unwilling to hear. I don’t think that’s what Paul had in mind when he penned this passage.
That every tongue should confess Jesus as Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit. Operating through the hearts, minds, voices, and actions of those who believe, the Spirit proclaims the Good News of God’s grace. Instead of a stick, the Spirit whispers the message of hope, peace, and light to those still hesitate about its meaning; and the Spirit does that through us – our willingness to share what we know is Good News.
That the message of Jesus Christ is universal there is no doubt. How we go about sharing that gift can either encourage or hinder others. May we do so, as Jesus himself does, with humility, self-emptying, and love.
Prayer: Holy Jesus, you have given us the message of hope, peace, and light for all the world. Inspire me as a messenger of the Good News so that others may come to know the salvation the world has in You. Amen.