What’s in a name? Most of us receive a name shortly after we are born. Now that the child’s gender can be known early in the pregnancy, many are named long before they are born. I remember looking at my children, thinking of names, and hearing different suggestions from family and friends, but none seemed to fit my boys. Finally, both boys received names that, to me, fit them perfectly. Some families put a lot of stock in their names. They carry a certain name all throughout the family. For generations, a certain name will be carried down. There will be I, II, III, IV, and on it goes. They are proud of their family name, and tradition is very important to them. Our names always link us to someone, which carries an idea about the person. In the Bible, names were very important and usually revealed something about the person. Such as Adam. His name comes from the Hebrew noun “adamah,” meaning “ground” or “earth.” It was very fitting since he was made from the dust of the earth. However, God gave another name that is superior to all others. In Philippians 2:9, we find God exalting the name of Jesus to be superior to all other names.
Philippians 2:9 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
Some think God exalted his name to reward His humiliation and suffering. He left Heaven and came to earth to suffer. He willingly lowered himself to the rank of humanity. In Hebrews 2:9, we see his humility exhibited.
Hebrews 2:9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”
God gave Him the name Jesus! No other name can be compared with his. It stands alone. He is the only Redeemer of man, the Savior. He is the Christ, the Son of God. He is the only one anointed of God. His rank, his titles, and his dignity are above all others. We see this in Ephesians 1:20 -21.
Ephesians 1:20-21 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:”
The superiority of His name is eternal. It will never be obscured by any other name, nor will there be a name worthy to be coupled with it. He is, above all, in power, principality, and dominion in this world and the world to come. He has no rival.
Many today will argue about who He is. Some think a good prophet, others a fake or a character of someone’s imagination. However, history proves he lived on earth, performed miracles, was crucified, and rose again. Over 500 people were eyewitnesses of the resurrected body. Many saw Him ascend back to Heaven. Anyone who says he didn’t exist has not read the facts. God gives all of us a choice to think what we will about Jesus. We can believe He is the world’s Savior, or we can think he is fake and deny our need for Him. God gives us a choice as to what we believe about Him. However, what we believe does not change who He is or what God says about Him. God gives you the right to be wrong!
God has made a declaration, and it will happen. One day, every man, woman, and child will bow before Jesus and proclaim Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is Lord and King now of my life and will be for all eternity.
While many have not made that choice voluntarily here on this earth, they will one day make it when it will do them no good. Because they waited, they will bow begging for mercy, but there will be none. Their decision was too late.
Which group will you be in? The one that bows out of gratitude for what He has done for you. Humbly bowing because you do not feel worthy to stand in the presence of the one you love above all others. Or, will you bow for the first time, as you see Him as King and Lord, wishing with everything in you for one more chance to gain forgiveness for your sins? If the latter is your case, you will be too late! Your fate is sealed at your death. You can wish, hope, and work for things to be different, but that will not change what God has set in place.
Philippians 2:10-11 “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.”
Excellent. Powerful.