Emptied And Exalted

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10

OUR CULTURE TODAY has some amazing athletes and celebrities who are honored for their monumental accomplishments. Many have received Nobel prizes, conquered great physical feats, swept the stage with their performances, or made huge discoveries and advancements. Their achievements deserve applause, for sure, but what can rub us the wrong way is when these particular athletes or celebrities are only about their self-glory. Their self-exaltation can be off-putting.

Jesus is the great contrast to what we sometimes see. Though He is the Son of God, He came down to earth to serve, to kneel, to assume the posture of the lowest servant, and to lay down His life for others. And the amazing thing? In doing so, God exalted Jesus. Paul writes in the famous Hymn of Christ in Philippians:

But [He] emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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.

Philippians 2:7-11

God highly exalted Jesus after He lowered Himself and submitted His life to the cross. I can’t help but think that Psalm 46 foreshadows Jesus’ life. Jesus is our refuge, strength, and very present help. The mountains trembled and the earth shook the hour Jesus died. But after the Resurrection, He ascended to heaven and was exalted high over the earth.

Jesus served others, healed others, and died for others. How amazing is it that the Jesus whom we worship never exalted Himself? He only went about His Father’s business, emptying Himself here on earth to show us the way.

So when we see exaltation in our own lives, we need to take a good look to see where it’s coming from. What is it about? Why are we promoting ourselves? Can we trust that God has us and will take care of us?

May we follow Jesus’ example. May we be women who serve others and point all glory to the One who is truly above all. Grace looks like making much of Jesus, and Jesus alone.

GRACE REFLECTION: Think of a time when you exalted yourself. How did that glory contrast against Jesus’ example? How can you exalt Jesus in your life today?