God exalted him to the highest place . . . that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. . . .

— Philippians 2:9-11

When I was a pastor, one of the churches I served celebrated Ascension Day with a midweek worship service. That meant extra preparation work for me, and I admit that sometimes I resented having to do that extra work.

One year, in front of a small crowd on a Thursday evening, I delivered a hastily produced sermon. And after the worship service, a young man who had been visiting our church asked if he could meet with me. So we did. He told me that in that service, he had encountered God like never before. In an instant, the Christian story had made sense to him. He was now a believer in Christ!

Through that simple, unassuming worship service and my unimpressive words, the Holy Spirit brought him to a deep awareness of what it means to be in relationship with Jesus, the Servant-King. I was deeply humbled, knowing that my attitude had not been the best going into that service.

This experience gave me new insight into the message of Philippians 2. I am often humbled because of my failures and shortcomings. But Jesus, who intentionally humbled himself for the sake of the world, continues to work among us despite ourselves. He will keep changing lives until that day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord.

Jesus, thank you for always working through us, despite our failures and weaknesses. We worship you as our Savior and exalt you as our ascended Lord. Amen.