For What Reason

Philippians 2:5-11 NMV
[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Moshiach [Messiah] Yeshua [God is Salvation]: [6] Who, being in the form of God-The Father, thought it not robbery to be equal with God-The Father: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a slave, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the stake (cross). [9] For what reason God-The Father also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Yeshua [God is Salvation] every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; [11] And [that] every tongue should confess that Yeshua [God is Salvation] Moshiach [Messiah] [is] Lord - Kurios, to the glory of God-The Father the Father.

This blog focuses on re-examining a Bible verse that has already been analyzed. There is no new truth to uncover; there is only one Truth. You may interpret the title as an argument or a debate, but I believe it does more justice to use a title directly extracted from the verse under review. Based on the anchor text, verse 9 addresses the unasked question for what Reason, but it delves deeper into the explanation of what is truly occurring. It says for what reason God the Father also has exalted Him (Jesus), and given Him a name that is above every name.' But now, the question that comes to mind is that why did God endow Jesus's name with such magnanimous authority? Is God biased? Why not the names of Buddha, Osun, Sango, Hitler, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad (pbuh), Nelson Mandela, or Martin Luther King Jr.? Is this another form of an earthly dictatorial regime, where a father bequeaths the affairs of the regime or country to his untrained son, all in the name of maintaining a nasty dynasty or political influence, whether monarchic or democratic? 

To answer this inquiry, we have to travel back in time to verses 5 to 8 of the anchored text. Verse 5 highlights the first significant difference: the mind. The power of the mind is paramount, as all thoughts and decisions—whether to yield or succeed—originate from it. Everything begins in the mind. This verse emphasizes the distinction in the mind of Christ Jesus, who, despite being unequivocally in the form of God, did not elevate Himself to the same pedestal as God. Instead, He took on the lowly form of a servant, even though He is the beloved Son. He assumed the form of the Lamb while simultaneously being the Lion of Judah. However, He adopted a style of form of fashion that is beyond the comprehension of brands like Louis Vuitton, Versace, and Fendi. What is this new fashion I am referring to? It is humility. Verse 8 states that Jesus wore this fashion even to/on the cross, dying with grace and dignity. This represents the contrast between what earthly folks perceived and the reality of what was occurring at the place of the skull, known as Calvary. They thought they had stripped Him of His dignity, depriving Him of His basic human rights, unaware that the King of kings and the King of Glory was already adorned in a fashion totally unfathomable to their cognitive abilities. This is why God granted Jesus, and no other human or self/man-made gods this authority. Jesus was the first to truly exemplify this form of humility, providing humanity with a template for how to please God in order to see Him. What does humility look or sound like to you?

1. Humility means obedience, as exemplified by Jesus, who was totally obedient to the will of God the Father, even to the point of humiliation. He diligently went about His Father's business during the day while prayerfully strategizing during the night.
2. Humility means forgiveness. Whether your brothers and sisters have hurt you justly or unjustly, it is essential to forgive them in order to put on this new fashion. Yes, forgiving them may be painful, but do not be deceived; without this act of forgiveness, you cannot qualify to wear Jesus's fashion.
3. Humility means supporting and helping one another, whether through prayers, charitable giving, or other means that God reveals to you. However, do not be deceived; there are many ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing who exploit this virtue to lace their abysmal leaking pockets.
4. Humility means loving unconditionally and without reservation. Love, though often incomprehensible to the human mind, is one of the most misused concepts. According to human nature, we either receive love without reciprocating it, expect to receive it before even reciprocating it, or we receive and misuse it, or fail to expect it altogether. Until we learn to experience true love, we have not truly begun to live. This is why Ecclesiastes states that an unborn child is better off than the living; unfortunately, our understanding of love is not lovingly lovely. For a comprehensive definition of love, I encourage to read the Apostle Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
    

Beloved, I implore you to exchange your designer clothes—those expensive Louis Vuittons, Fendi, Ferragamo, and so on—for garments that are impervious to earthly fire. This statement should not be interpreted as a justification for polluting the environment with your nakedness. It would not be surprising, however, since nakedness is what these so-called designers are selling in the name of fashion. Clothing was originally created to cover our nakedness, provide warmth, and confer prestige. But I ask, what is the value of covering your earthly nakedness if you remain totally naked on the other side? You would be nothing but a laughingstock to Satan and his minions. What good is it to be warmed by your earthly fashion when it will only increase your rate of combustion in the unending burning sulphur? Lastly, what is the benefit of being perceived as a well-dressed man on earth if your existence is not recorded in the Book of Life? Oh! Do not be deceived; there is indeed such a thing as the Book of Life! Beloved, I urge you to subscribe to Jesus's fashion and wear humility as your garment. Please understand that this kind of fashion is not available in the earthly market, so do not think I'm being Nigerian by trying to market my clothing brand. As you can see, Jesus's experience serves as proof that adopting this fashion style is the best and most sustainable way to live. May God bless you with His Shalom and the fragrance of His presence.

Shalom aleichem brothers and sisters.

Babasile Daniel I