“God…bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow…and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” Philippians 2:9–11
When people talk about God in general terms they’re not all talking about the God of the Bible. Some even say it doesn’t matter what you call God, as long as you’re sincere in your beliefs. It’s the idea that every form of religion or spirituality is true. But Philippians tells us that the name of Jesus is above all other names, which is polarizing in our culture. As His followers we need to ask ourselves, “How often do I say the name of Jesus?”
One day, every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. Some will bow after a lifetime of faithful service and will spend eternity in His presence. Others will finally bend their knees before Jesus, their Judge. On that day, it will be too late to claim His name for salvation. So while talking about Jesus can be polarizing, He’s the only hope for our lost and dying world.
By claiming the name of Jesus, we’re agreeing with Scripture that salvation is found exclusively in Him. Acts 4:12 tells us, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” And Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).
We interact with lost people every day. We know that without Jesus they’ll spend eternity in Hell. Yet, we often hesitate to talk about Him. Even those of us who actively attend church can fall into the trap of talking about God in general terms. Or, we discuss going to church more than being followers of Jesus Christ. Remember, when we know Jesus by name it should be easy to say His name.
Who do you need to tell about Jesus? Ask God for the courage to speak up. Your neighbors, friends, and family will bow before Jesus and confess Him as Lord. The question is, will they know Him when they bow? On that day, they’ll be glad you cared enough to say the name of Jesus Christ out loud.
Previous devotions in the Names of God series: Learning to Trust God in Every Situation, God Sees Everything, and God Bring Healing