Philippians 2.5-11
There’s a question doing the rounds of social media asking ‘what were your first five jobs?’ It’s moderately interesting to see that almost everyone was a babysitter, paper boy or pot washer as a teenager, but it made me reflect on how we view our personal worth through what we do now…. A ‘look how far I’ve come since then!’ Not many people are writing ‘I’m still a pot-washer.’
As an extrovert I loved my jobs in bars and shops as a teenager and student, I even enjoyed temping in a transport caf, frying bacon and egg sandwiches for lorry drivers. The one I hated though, was in a pharmaceutical company, operating a machine that counted zinc tablets into pots. It was mind-numbing.
I also remember sitting at lunch with the women who worked there full time. I confess I was a snob. I thought that work was beneath me. I was going to do something important. I had 2/3 of a History degree from Leeds University and a bright shiny middle-class future in front of me. This was just getting me summer pocket money.
What stuck with me though was a lady in her 60’s who had worked there for 20 years, counting tablets into pots 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 47 weeks a year, and she came in with a black eye and broken nose – the result of her husband’s weekend drinking binge. 30 years later I remember being shocked and humbled at the reality of her world. And I remember the Holy Spirit saying to me – take note of your privilege Ruth, you are no better than her, you are not worth more to me than she is, she is precious in my sight.
In his letter to the Philippians Paul writes about the challenges of his situation. A highly qualified and esteemed Jewish religious leader he was on the fast track to career success… but having met Jesus his priorities completely changed. He wrote this letter from prison, disgraced and humiliated. I mean, what kind of an apostle gets banged up? How is the message he brings good news if THIS is the outcome? Surely this is proof that God is not on his side?
But Paul is convinced of his message, encouraging the Philippians to have a new perspective on being humbled or asked to do things that they saw as ‘beneath them’. He argues that struggling and even suffering for the gospel are not just part of the deal, but an honour! That as long as people are hearing about Jesus why does it matter who delivers the message or what anyone thinks of them? In fact, he takes his inspiration from Jesus own example
Jesus, he says, who was part of the Godhead, didn’t take advantage of that but instead laid down his privilege and status for the sake of humanity. He became a squalling baby that needed his nappy changing, entirely dependent on his socially unimpressive parents. He didn’t have a shiny future, with aspirations for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. Instead he humbled himself, obeyed the father – being despised and abused by all sorts of people – all the way to the cross, where he died a shameful death.
Profoundly unimpressive behaviour for someone who could do powerful miracles and claimed to be the son of God.
And yet, there was something so much more. The sacrifice, the struggle, the humiliation he experienced in being obedient have had such results. God has exalted and honoured him. His very name brings angels and humans alike to their knees in worship, pouring out their gratitude at what he did, at the freedom his actions have brought. At the promise of redemption, restoration, – the hope that his name carries for all of us.
Paul says that right now some people have grasped that, but one day everyone is going to get it! Everyone is going to see Jesus, not with a beard and sandals like a 1960’s hippy or tortured and dead on a cross. His name won’t be an expletive used by those who know no better. His name will be roared across the universe – bringing glory to the father who sent him.
Jesus; God to the rescue!
Paul says, whatever I suffer for obeying God, whatever you suffer for doing that – just look to the example of Jesus. If it seems unfair, if it seems beneath your dignity, if you consider yourself too good, or wish God would give you more status, power, income, honour – whatever you crave – check your perspective. Look not to your own interests but to the interests of others… like He did. God honoured him and he will be faithful to us.
For now though, just keep focussed on the resurrected, ascended and glorified Jesus – who we are told is still interceding for us. Still at work on behalf of humanity. Still concerned with the poor and downtrodden, those without a shiny, privileged future. Still asking us to be his representatives to them, in words, works and wonders. Still offering a hope and a future – especially to those who can’t see one right now. Like that lady I worked with.
I wish I’d had the courage to tell her about my faith, but I didn’t. I hope God sent someone else to her – I know he loved her. Lets be brave in offering the hope we have, and willing to humble ourselves to serve, because we’ve got nothing to prove, our identity and future are secure in the ascended and exalted Christ.
Lets pray:
Lord Jesus, give us perspective. Give us a glimpse of who you are now, of a different reality from the tiny one we see and live in. And in a world that craves status, among people who are trying to prove themselves as having value, shape us into your servants, people secure in our identity and your love, that follow in your footsteps and Like the Apostles are brave to offer faith, hope and love to those around us, especially those with none.
Amen.