WHAT YOU WERE AND WHAT YOU BECAME
Tom Brady was selected in the NFL draft in 2000 as only the 199th pick in Round 6, yet went on to win seven superbowls in his career, a feat that might never be equaled. Sports fans often reminisce accounts of players who were not considered significant, yet transcended the sport. What Brady became is all the more important considering how he was underrated by the football experts of his time. Likewise we are fascinated by the rags to riches stories of people who became successful, and those who changed professions to accomplish much.
In one of the most remarkable descriptions of Jesus in the Bible, Paul talks of what he was and what he became.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
Paul talks of two natures of Christ- what he was and what he became. By nature he was God in all fullness. In other words, Jesus was the best representation of God in human form. If there was a point, no matter how infinitesimally small, where God and man could meet, that meeting point is uniquely Christ and no other. He is equal to God, which is a big claim and also the reason why he was opposed by the religious leaders of his time. There is nothing beyond him and everything on earth belongs to him and is for his glory.
Yet, his greatness is measured by how much he gave up and what he became. Despite having the nature of God, he took on the nature of a servant. This was a significant step-down, requiring him to humble himself to the point of being willing to be crucified by mere men. When his disciples tried to oppose his crucifixion, he reminded them that he could in an instant bring down the hordes of angels to do his bidding, yet chose not to do so. Paul goes on to state,
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
Exaltation comes when you chose to give up what you are and become what God wants you to be. It might be the privileges associated with a high position, the comfort of a situation you are in, the security provided by assets, or the mindset to live for oneself. When God asks his disciple to give up these and embrace something different, it is difficult. Yet, it is in becoming what you are not, that fulfilment and exaltation come home.
