Humiliation is Human; but Obedience is Divine

Philippians 2:1–13 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

History up to diagnosis...

Mark some of the important dates that have highlighted the years of ministry Kenova partnered and supported you in.

1. Youth Intern

2. Youth Pastor

3. Marriage

4. Worship Leader

5. Small Groups Director

6. Summer Youth Counselor

7. Having children

8. State Faith-Based Healthy Liaison

9. Pastor...

10.

In all honesty, Kenova, you have been my mentoring agency. You’ve partnered with me in nearly every climactic young adult moment - marriage, children, loss of a parent… you’ve been to me a partaker in the ministry of Christ from the beginning. From milk to solid food.

Illustration - Speaking of milk...

Shortly after my dad passed in 2014, I was in the fellowship hall downstairs. Following a Wednesday evening meal, I was parched and panting for something that would curb my thirst. In that moment, the most helpful and seemingly most satisfying liquid I could snag was whole milk from the kitchen refrigerator. That was the last drink of whole milk that I’ve had since that night. Shortly after that moment, Michael Amos stood by me while Jacob Smith listened nearby as the ER doctors referred to an early walk-in appointment with me. My glucose was 585 and they simply wanted to know, “Sir, are you standing?!” Jacob confirmed I had a problem; Mamos (now Dr. Mamos) knew what was wrong; and Joe Dorsey said, “C’mon, Joshie. I’ll take you to the hospital.”

You see, just from those few recollections, you can feel that my history with you connects me to you in a way that goes well beyond ‘filling the pulpit’ for a Sunday. Much like

Being “right” is wrong if it breaks our bond.