Bible Reflections

Philippians 2.5-11 (New International Version)

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God  as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave,  being born in  human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself  and became obedient to the point of death —  even death on a cross.

Therefore God also highly exalted him  and gave him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Luke 15:11-32  (New International Version)

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’  So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

John 10:22-30 (New International Version)

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”

Psalm 126 (New International Version)

1 When the Lord turned again the fortunes of Zion: then were we like those restored to life.

2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter: and our tongue with singing.

3 Then said they among the heathen: ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’

4 Truly the Lord has done great things for us: and therefore we rejoiced.

5 Turn again our fortunes, O Lord: as the streams return to the dry south.

6 Those who sow in tears: shall reap with songs of joy.

7 They that go out weeping, bearing the seed: shall come again in gladness, bringing their sheaves with them.

Psalm 92:12-15 (New International Version)

12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,  they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

13 planted in the house of the Lord,  they will flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They will still bear fruit in old age,  they will stay fresh and green,

15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;  he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”