"Jesus Glow"
Philippians 2:5-8
"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!
Jesus wasn't trying to compete with His Father or anyone else He was teaching along His path.
He was humbled by His Father, He revered Him! In a sense He was even equal to Him, but He never flaunted it, so no one would ever know it! He also never used it to take shortcuts or avoid difficult situations.
The world already had enough pride and hypocrisy in it to last multiple generations, He wanted to teach the opposite.
And... of course He did!
Would we expect anything less from the Savior, introducing an upside down Kingdom to the world... Then begin proving to the world that it would work?
Jesus was a servant. It is written in scripture as well as being observed by anyone that came within His presence.
*Specifically, the Servant Songs in Isaiah are seen as describing a suffering servant who would be a light to the nations and bear the sins of many.
*(Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53)
Philippians 2:7
"but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men."
We get a "Jesus glow" when His Spirit is actively involved in our lives as believers. Not a physical glow, but rather a perceived spiritual radiance or positive aura that reflects the inner change and presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
So Jesus' devotion to His father, His zeal and His deep enthusiasm for serving His Father, was seen as evidence of God's presence at work within Him.
Influencing His thoughts, attitudes, and behavior are what produced an 'inner glow' in Him that could be seen all the way till the manifestation of His divinity at His transformation.
That's where Jesus glowed inward and outwardly, where even His face and clothes shone with radiant glory,
Matthew 17:2 NASB
And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light.
"So how to You lead and be a servant that glows like Jesus?"
In essence, servant leadership is about putting the needs of others first, fostering their growth, and working together to achieve common goals.
It's a leadership style that prioritizes relationships, trust, and empowerment, ultimately leading to a more engaged, productive, and successful discipleship.
Jesus took the lead when;
He lowered Himself for the sake of our reconciliation.
When He experienced what we experienced, walking through the same troubles as us.
When He experienced the same kind of obedience challenges we do.
He just did it thoroughly and perfectly, and He did it to death! All for our atonement, because it would prove impossible without Him. He loves us!
His death was the ultimate expression of submission to the Father's will and the climax of His perfectly obedient life, and essential for our justification.
When we struggle to be obedient, doing as He does, it may not come any easier, but we will do it to death. However death is just a hiccup in time compared to the enternal life we get to spend in His presence!
Jesus, I want to be like You! I ask that You continue to teach me how. I may not be a servant leader, and maybe just not be one yet? But You created me for some reason! Please point me in that direction and see how far I get before we speak and I need to ask for help again! In your name I ask, Amen.
Ps... How far do You think I CAN get, in a couple of hours?
Hey everyone! 👋 You know, when I first heard the phrase "Jesus Glow," I admit I was a little curious. Was it just a metaphor, or something more? Diving into scripture, especially passages like Philippians 2:5-8, has really opened my eyes to what this beautiful concept truly means in our lives today. It's not about a physical shine, of course, but a palpable spiritual radiance that comes from living out Christ's nature. For me, understanding the "Jesus Glow" began with truly grasping His profound humility. The original article touched on Philippians 2:5-8, where it says Jesus, "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." This isn't just an abstract theological point; it's a blueprint for how we can let God's light shine through us. Think about it: Jesus, the Son of God, willingly humbled Himself, becoming a servant. He walked among us, experienced our struggles, and ultimately gave His life. This radical selflessness is the core of the "Jesus Glow." It's an inner peace and a radiant presence that emanates when we strive to put others first, just as He did. It’s what happens when the Holy Spirit is actively at work, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. So, how do we get this "Jesus Glow" in our everyday lives? It's definitely a journey, not a destination. For me, it starts with intentional choices. This spiritual glow isn't just for pastors or missionaries; it's for every believer! It's in the small acts of kindness, the patience we show when we'd rather react, the forgiveness we extend, and the genuine love we offer. One key aspect mentioned in the original text is "servant leadership." We often think of leaders as those in charge, but Jesus showed us a different way. He led by serving. In my own life, I've found that applying this principle, whether at work, with family, or in my community, truly makes a difference. It's about listening more, empathizing deeply, and seeking to empower those around me. When I focus on serving, I find that things just… flow better. It's like a quiet strength, a divine light, guiding my interactions. Many of you might wonder, "What about that 'Jesus glow up' I've heard about?" While the world often associates "glow up" with external transformation, for us, it’s a spiritual glow up! It’s when our faith deepens, our character is refined, and we start to reflect more of Christ’s image. This inner glow isn't about looking perfect; it's about growing in grace and truth. It's about letting the peace and presence of God shine from within, making us a beacon of hope to those around us. The OCR mentioned imagery like a serene woman in sunlight or a divine light from a manger. These visuals perfectly capture the essence. That serene, radiant presence isn't just an artistic ideal; it's a spiritual reality we can experience. When I find myself spending time in prayer, meditating on scriptures like Philippians 2:5-8, or serving others, I genuinely feel a sense of peace and a quiet strength. It's a reminder that God's presence truly is within us, ready to be shared. Ultimately, the "Jesus Glow" is a testimony to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It's a beautiful, gentle radiance that draws people in, not to us, but to the One who truly glows. Let's continue to seek Him, serve Him, and allow His light to shine brightly through us! 🙏✨
