S7P4 – Being Christlike: exalted

Philippians 2:9
Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name

The word “therefore” as used here means that what follows is a consequence of what came before. As a result of the selflessness, humility and obedience of Christ in verses 6 through 8, the Father then exalted the Son to the highest place. What, then, can we expect when we follow the example of Christ and live selfless, humble and obedient lives?

Jesus himself tells us that “those who humble themselves will be exalted.” [Mark 23:12] And who will exalt the humble? “It is God who judges; He brings one down, he exalts another.” [Psalm 75:7] Pay attention to how God the Father responds to Jesus the man as He walks the earth in perfect alignment with Him. This is an indication of what we can expect to come as a natural consequence of our perfect alignment with the Father.

The Father exalted Jesus, and He will exalt us. However, we do not align ourselves with Him for the sake of being exalted. We align ourselves with Him for the sake of His purposes and His glory. If He never exalts us, we still will praise Him. Even if He does not deliver us from the enemy’s hand, we still will serve Him. [Daniel 3:18] God is worthy of our praise simply because He is holy, but in His grace He exalts those who humbly seek and obey Him. Father, thank you that You reward the faithful, but keep us faithful for the sole reason that You alone are holy and worthy of our praise.