Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Login

As through a Telescope

Jesus Christ

19for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

– Philippians 1:19-20
(NASB® © 2020)
Mark as Favorite and save for later! (0)
Please login to bookmark Close

Christ Shall Be Lifted Up

The Exaltation of Christ

God has highly exalted Christ and given Him a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9). The man Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God. Objectively, Christ cannot be exalted any higher: God has already given Him the highest place.

We have contributed nothing to this exaltation, nor can we. But we can – like the apostle Paul – ensure through our life or death that Christ is exalted in the eyes of men. This is the subjective side of Christ’s exaltation.

If we have Christ as our purpose in life and honor Him, He is made greater in the eyes of men through us. We are then like a telescope that does not magnify the star, but makes it appear larger in the eye of the beholder.

Are you someone who magnifies Christ before your fellow human beings and brothers and sisters? Can it be said of those around you: “The name of the Lord Jesus has been exalted”? (Acts 19:17)

Light and Darkness: From Birth to the Cross

Light and Darkness

Christ’s Birth and Christ’s Cross

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” Luke 2:8, 9

“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” that is, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Matthew 27:45, 46

In the first scene, it suddenly becomes daylight in the middle of the night near Bethlehem. Why? Because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born. The visible light of that memorable night is a divine sign that through Jesus Christ a great light has come into the darkness, coldness, and forgetfulness of mankind. He is “the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man” (John 1:9).

In the second scene, it suddenly becomes pitch black over Golgotha at midday. Why? Because Jesus Christ was forsaken by God on the cross because of our sins. The literal darkness of these three hours shows that the Lord Jesus endured on the cross of Golgotha what would have been our part as sinners: to be in the “gloom of utter darkness” forever (Jude 13).

We want to give thanks that the Son of God came into this world and died on the cross so that we can come into the wonderful light of God and remain there forever.

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Jesus Christ

Face to Face: Recognizing Christ fully for once

The text explains Paul’s image of seeing “through a mirror” in 1 Corinthians 13:12, using ancient metal mirrors to show how believers now know Jesus only imperfectly, but will one day see and know Him fully face to face when He comes.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Jesus Christ

From the Devourer came Food: Christ conquers Death and the Devil

The text interprets Samson’s riddle about honey found in a lion’s carcass (Judges 14) as a symbol of Christ’s victory over the devil and death, explaining how believers are freed from fear of death while nonbelievers cannot grasp it.
Judges 14:14
Jesus Christ

Distinguished in front of tens of thousands: The Beauty of Christ

The text reflects on Song of Songs 5:10–16, where the bride describes her beloved’s beauty, and applies the imagery to Jesus Christ’s moral and spiritual qualities—his authority, purity, faithfulness, words, deeds, and steadfast path.
Song of Songs 5:10-16
Jesus Christ

Death is in the Pot: Christ – the Remedy

The text reflects on Colossians 2, warning against adding philosophy or ritualism to Christ’s teaching. Using Elisha’s story of flour in the pot, it argues that presenting Christ’s pure doctrine restores believers and counters false teachings.
Colossians 2:3,9-10
Jesus Christ

Crying Stones: Christ must be Praised

The text reflects on Luke 19:40 and argues that Christ’s glory will always be testified to: if disciples stay silent, God can use even “stones” as witnesses, illustrated by the centurion’s confession after Jesus’ death.
Luke 19:40
Jesus Christ

Conversation at Jacob’s Well: Recognizing Christ

The text traces Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, showing her growing understanding of who He is—from Jew to giver of living water, prophet and Messiah—until many Samaritans confess Him as the Savior of the world.
John 4,7-42

But where is the Lamb? Christ – the Lamb of God

The text links Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac and the question of the true offering with the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb of God, fulfilled at Golgotha, emphasizing redemption through Christ’s blood and worship in Revelation.
Genesis 22:8; John 1:29,36

Bringing Gifts before God

The text explains how Israel’s offerings were accepted through the high priest and applies this to Christians: despite weakness and imperfect worship, believers can confidently bring spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ as the great priest.
Exodus 28:36-38
Jesus Christ

Begotten by the Spirit of God

The text contrasts human sinfulness from birth with Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit, presenting Him as the Holy One of God. It highlights that His purity enabled atonement on the cross and laid the basis for believers’ sanctification.
Mark 1:24
Jesus Christ

Against the background of failure

Against humanity’s failures, God points to the One who fulfills every promise: Christ—the serpent-crusher, Abraham’s promised descendant, the true Prophet, faithful Priest, and righteous King. God brings His Son into focus; our eyes should follow Him.
Genesis 3:15; 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:15
Jesus Christ

An Irresistible Argument

The text discusses 1 Corinthians 15:20, countering claims in Corinth that there is no bodily resurrection. It outlines seven witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection and seven implications for faith if He had not risen, affirming He truly rose.
1 Corinthians 15:20
Jesus Christ

An Impressive Lowliness

A devotional reflection on Jesus’ poverty, tracing His humble birth, lack of home, money and possessions, and dependence on others, and concluding that His lowliness points to spiritual riches gained through His sacrifice, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
2 Corinthians 8:9