August 4, 2013 The Name of Jesus

Read Philippians 2:9-11 Confess Jesus Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 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. WHO is the person whose name you honor, the one whose name causes you to think, “Oh, yes! He is the one I hope to be like someday.” Do you ever answer the question with, “Jesus Christ”? We don’t respond that way do we? Why not? Is it simply something we assume that as Christians Jesus is the one we most honor? Is honoring Jesus, bowing our knee to him emotionally and sometimes even physically an automatic response to “Jesus”? Reality is we seldom consider the power of our Lord’s name. We hear “Jesus” and think, “I’ll get to him later.” We pray to “Jesus”, and we wonder, “Does he care?” We hear “Jesus’” commands and ask, “Is he talking to me?” We look at “Jesus” cross and say, “Must have been awful.” Paul’s words are a sharp reminder to us that there is no other name in heaven and earth greater than the name of Jesus Christ. Because of his death, resurrection, ascension and glorification at the Father’s right hand, his name is not merely a title, “Jesus” refers to his person—who he is—and the position of dignity and honor that is due him. You can be given the name “Christian” rescued from sin’s destruction because of the one who bore the name of Jesus on earth and is seated in authority in heaven. How do you respond to “Jesus”? A Moment’s Thought: Jesus is worthy of bowing your knee.