…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
Summary: The name of Jesus has been exalted above every name, but not everyone on Earth has gotten the message yet.
Do you ever wonder why every knee doesn’t bow to Jesus now?
Instead of bowing the knee, people often use Jesus’ name as a swear word or even just an expression of surprise. Instead of showing respect, we act like Jesus is far off or worse, non-existent.
Imagine a world where, instead of hearing Jesus’ name used as a swear word, people stopped what they were doing when they heard the name, “Jesus.”
Everyone goes silent and looks around.
Then, almost in unison, everyone within hearing distance drops to their knees, bows their head, and praises God.
Imagine!
The whole world has become a place of worship. There would be no corner or crevice where the name of Jesus was not honored. In this world we have imagined, the name of Jesus carries with it the full weight of the glory and honor the Father has lavished on his Son.
Sadly, that is not the world we live in … yet.
Our world is one where we humans suffer from something called “pride.”
“Pride” is a word that describes a state of mind that exalts the “self.” This is the same “self” that the serpent appealed to when he tempted Eve. He said:
“‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” (Genesis 3:4-5)
The “you” that the serpent mentioned is something that only the forbidden tree could awaken. Before the temptation, there was no you or me. Adam and Eve were completely without a sense of self. That is why they could wander around naked and not feel any shame (Genesis 2:25).
After they ate from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17), the self was awakened, and pride was born.*
It is pride that keeps us from wanting to bow our knees to Jesus. It is our sense of self that pulls us away from our God and our Lord. This is why Paul writes:
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” (Romans 6:6-7)
God is patient. At a time of his choosing, every knee will bow at the name of his Son, Jesus.
Application: Bow now.
Food for Thought: How does bowing at the name of Jesus reveal our spiritual relationship with God?
*Please accept this statement metaphorically. The nature of “self” is complex and nuanced. If you would like to discuss what this means in detail, feel free to leave a comment or question below.
How does bowing at the name of Jesus reveal our spiritual relationship with God?
Every knee will bow, whether here on Earth or in eternity. Those that have placed their faith in Christ here on Earth, who live faithfully to Christ, will be transformed from a sinful nature to one that can abide in the Presence of His Spirit, and have a loving relationship with God through Him. Those that reject Christ, their relationship with God will be one of eternal judgement. They will be separated from the love of God by their own choosing.
The nature of our relationship with God, and the closeness we have in His Spirit is through Christ. Without Christ, we cannot accept God’s grace and be restored to Him.
Jesus prepared for us a place in heaven, and it is He that will come back and take us there.
John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Jesus is the only way to the Father. Also, when we know Him, we know the Father, we see the Father’s love through Christ.
John 14:6-7 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Through Christ, God does His marvelous works through us. Through Christ, the evidence of God is confirmed in our hearts.
John 14:10-11 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
Through Christ, we are given access to the Majesty of the Almighty Creator. Through Christ, we are allowed to ask for any good thing. As God works in us and through us, our relationship with Him grows stronger. We are more aware of His love, and our love for Him grows.
John 14:12-14 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Thank you, Chris!
I really appreciate the point that our relationship with God depends entirely on Jesus.
Thank you Chris!
How does bowing at the name of Jesus reveal our spiritual relationship with God?
Bowing at the name of Jesus is a physical demonstration of an internal spiritual reality of awe and submission. A demonstration, recognition of the sovereign elevated status and authority of Jesus Christ. The act is more than a simple physical gesture. It represents a deeper, spiritual acknowledgment of Jesus’s divine nature and power. It demonstrates reverence and respect for His name and all He represents.
Bowing at the name of Jesus is the way of and to life as believers seek His will being done over their own, in all matters.
Philippians 2:10-11, That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Thank you, Ron!
You make an interesting point: Bowing is a physical indication of our flesh submitting to God.