Christ's Humility and Glory

This poem is based on the words in Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, Chapter 2 verses 5 to 11. An early Christian hymn, it is not known whether it was written by Paul himself or whether he is merely quoting, in his Epistle, a hymn which was already in use. I have endeavoured to retain the message behind the words when constructing this rhyme.

In your dealings with one another

approach them as would Christ

who, being as God and no other,

was content with all that sufficed.

He never stressed an advantage

but, rather, made himself naught,

not seeking overtly to manage

or in any way have his love bought.

Instead he became like a servant;

in appearance no different from man

and to even the slightly observant

humility was his game plan.

So obedient was his demeanour

that he answered the call of death.

On the cross no one ever was keener

to praise God in his dying breath.

For his passion God raised him exalted

to the highest place ever bestowed

and gave him a name that resulted

in it being the heart’s abode.

A name above every name given

which causes all knees to bow

on earth as happens in heaven;

even hell, should the Devil allow.

Because Jesus is Lord of all people

Every tongue acknowledges this.

As the church bells ring out from the steeple

God’s glory has brought us such bliss.

© Richard Farquharson, Maulden, Bedfordshire February 2017