Weekly Devotional

Gift of Your Name

 Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
“Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The name of Jesus, back when our Lord was born, was just another name. There had been others. So what makes this time so much different?

Our scripture tells us. God the Father personally chose His name for His Son. He empowered this name so that when it is said with reverence and faith, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord.

At times, we throw this name around as a curse or as an exclamation without the true power being known, this hurts His heart. Imagine people using your name as a curse and knowing that you died to save them. I am guilty of this, as are many others.

I know that when I have used the name of Jesus in vain it has always been when I was frustrated or angry. I wanted the circumstances to be different. When we do this we have the right idea, but our sinful natures have polluted it. God wants us to call out his name. But He wants it done with respect, love, and the proper reverence for Him.

Imagine if every time we said the Lord’s name everybody, including ourselves, would be compelled to bow down and confess that He is Lord. How much different would we be? How much different would our world be?

Prayer:
Lord, help us to fully understand the gift of your name. The power and majesty that you have given us in your name. Lord, let us use your name with the love and reverence it deserves. Let us wait with expectation for that day when you will come again and say your name and all knees will bow and tongues confess You Are Lord! Amen.

    - R.