That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11 KJV
He wasn't a God who could be arrested, harassed or killed, yet because of me, He emptied Himself of his power and might and surrendered Himself to death. It was not just any kind of death, but one that even the Bible says was a curse: Cursed be any man that hangeth on a tree. Because of my sin, and because my sin needed remission and forgiveness, the price had to be paid. Jesus paid the price on my behalf and now, I can enjoy all that Jesus is.
It was that obedience that leads to today's extract. Because Jesus embraced God's plan for our salvation, He has been given a name that is superior to any other name. I note that it is God who gave Jesus that name. There is nothing I can become outside of God, no matter how hard I labour by my power. I can make money and a name for myself, but in the eternal analysis, what would it profit me to gain the whole world and lose my own soul?
And I note those that today's extract speaks to: every knee and every tongue. I am not really concerned about your view but about God's position: He says EVERY. It confirms that every knee SHOULD bow, and every tongue SHOULD confess. It is not really a matter of consensus, agreement or negotiation; it is a matter of compulsion. It may not happen down here on earth, but I can say, with every sense of certainty, that one day soon, when the same Jesus that died returns in glory, it will no longer be a matter of choice. All of us will bow to the superior name of Jesus, and also every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.
I may not accept Him as Lord down here, but when I stand before His throne, there will not be an option or a choice. I have the opportunity and grace to accept Him willingly down here, before the power of choice is taken away from me. I am given the power to recognise and respond to the authority of Jesus now, so that I enjoy all that He promises all who come to Him. There is no location that is left out: in heaven, on earth, under the earth. Every authority with a tongue that can speak is also covered here. No matter who it is or what it is that has spoken in the past; no matter how powerful the forces arrayed against me are; no matter how legal or illegal powers may have legitimately or illegitimately exercised power over my life, today, I submit to the authority of the name of Jesus, and I receive all that has been promised.
Guess the only question then is: WHO is my Lord? Who or what is presently exercising authority over my life? Who is speaking and commanding things into my life? What is the foundation of all that my life is producing now? Eternal questions, with responses that will speak into eternity. His time of favour is here.
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