Dear Rose Park,
American poet Emily Dickinson once offered these words as it relates to the convicting power of poetry: “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.” I don’t imagine many of us are embracing the rhythms and truths of poetry on a daily basis, however poetry is a common form of language throughout much of scripture. Elements of poetry are present in Genesis, the major and minor prophets, the Psalms and Proverbs, and even the New Testament. One poem in particular sticks out in my mind.
It comes in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul is writing from prison to say thank you to the Philippians for their care and support during his imprisonment. Typically, Paul writes in a liner fashion from A to B with a clear message throughout, but in the letter to the Philippians, Paul offers several small essays or vignettes that surround a small poem in Philippians chapter two. This poem is known as The Messiah Poem:
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
This short poem is rich with theological truth; it has echoes from Adam in the book of Genesis and references to the Suffering Servant in the book of Isaiah. It is a beautiful condensing of the Gospel Story and if there ever was a brief passage of scripture to commit to memory, this is it. But as our minds and bodies are giving attention to the Thanksgiving holiday, I wonder how The Messiah Poem might shape our posture and approach to our various family and friend gatherings.
If Paul is encouraging the Philippians to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, here are two aspects of that mindset we can embrace today, this week, and forevermore: humble service & communal worship. Jesus humbled Himself in order to serve others. He did this in worship, word, and deed not just when He felt like it or when it was convenient. So, as you gather with one another might you embrace a posture of humility to serve as well. The Messiah Poem then ends with Paul quoting the prophet Isaiah with a beautiful image of the entire world gathering on bent knee to praise Jesus as Lord. This praise is offered from every tribe and language and clearly points to Jesus as the Messiah. So, as you prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and navigate the busyness of life, might you carve out time to join us for communal worship to praise the name of Jesus and give thanks to Him.
Language matters; the way we speak and communicate have a tremendous impact on our relationships. We might not be quoting poetry to one another or practicing our meter and verse, but perhaps The Messiah Poem can serve as our introduction to a theological language filled with the love of Christ.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash