“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
Dear Friend, your name is a gift. You may not love your name, but it was given to you for a reason. My mother liked the name of “Cathy” (spelled with a “C”!) in the book, Wuthering Heights, but didn’t want to name me “Catherine.” So, I was named “Cathleen” and called “Cathy” as a child. I didn’t always like my name, but I have learned to love the name, “Cathleen.” And though it is often mis-spelled and mis-spoken, I wouldn’t change it. There is a value in my name, just as there is a value in yours.
But there is one Name above all names, right? I want to take some time today to consider that Name. The name of Jesus.
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names….” Why is the name of Jesus above all names? Because He obeyed God and fulfilled the assignment God gave Him, God elevated Him above all. In this verse “therefore” refers to Christ’s willingness to humble Himself and yield to God’s plan. Because of that, God the Father is the one who has given Him his honored position.
What does it mean that His name is above all names? To be “above” is to be over or superior to. God made the name of Jesus over and superior to every other name. “Superior” is better, grander, supreme. The name of Jesus is better than any other name. His Name is supreme.
“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord…” What is the result of Jesus’ name being above all others? The result is, has been and will be that EVERY knee will bow to Him. EVERY knee. Even the ones that seems most determined not to. EVERY knee in EVERY place in EVERY time — past, present and future SHOULD and WILL bow. To “bow” is to submit or yield, even to suffer defeat. Think about history’s most ruthless and powerful leaders. Even they WILL submit to the Name above all other names! Not one of them will escape it. That family member, friend or neighbor that is most resistant to the Gospel? Even they will bow to the Name above all names. You can count on it! At those times when you are most discouraged about them, remember that.
EVERY tongue will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. EVERY tongue — even the strongest naysayer, the most confirmed atheist, the proudest individualist, the most committed follower of any other spiritual leader or religion — WILL declare that there is only ONE LORD, the Lord, Jesus Christ. There are some really loud naysayers at this point in history, and there are many people following those voices. Perhaps someone you love is loudly speaking opposition and causing you pain with their words. Remember that one day their voice WILL be raised in declaration. Jesus and Jesus alone is THE ONE LORD.
“…to the glory of God the Father.” To the GLORY of God the Father. At the end of the day, the glory of God is the most important thing. As you and I desire to live for what matters and let go of what doesn’t it helps so much to keep this in mind. I find so much comfort in that focus. May His glory be my strongest and most consistent motivation. HIS GLORY!!! At the end of all time He wins. He wins the past. He wins the present. He wins the future.
Dear Friend, let’s you and I keep this mind today. What seems to be lost because people in positions of earthly power deny and ignore the supremacy of our Heavenly King will be restored. Because Jesus made Himself nothing and accomplished God’s purpose, our salvation, His NAME has been, is now and will forever be exalted above all others. His NAME will be declared through all ages. His NAME is above all others. Hallelujah!
Key thought: The name of Jesus was, is and will be above all others.
A Scripture to consider: “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
A YES challenge: Take time today to contemplate the glorious name of Jesus and offer Him praise.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice and victory through the cross. Thank You, Father, for making the name of Jesus the NAME that is superior to all others. Some will be forced to submit to Him, to bow in worship and to declare His Lordship, but I want to do so willingly — today and every day! Amen.
