“For this reason, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him THE NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:9-11)
“At the name of Jesus”; not at the sound that is made saying the name Jesus, but THE DIVINE AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS! Why is there such divine authority in that name? Paul tells us, we need to: “HAVE THIS ATTITUDE IN YOURSELVES which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but EMPTIED HIMSELF, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, HE HUMBLED HIMSELF by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:5-8)
That is why verse 9 starts out with: “For this reason…” Paul said Jesus emptied and humbled himself and took the form of a bond servant, what is a “bond servant”? The best definition is: “one who is devoted to another to the disregard of their own interests.”
We live in an “all about me” society and it is evident when we see all the efforts put into making things that will provide us the most comfort and pleasure. I believe that is why the Lord inspired Paul to admonish us to take on the attitude of being empty and humble before God, so He could use us as He wills! Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father who is in heaven, Holy is your name. Your kingdom come. YOUR WILL BE DONE…” (Luke 11:2)
Father, let your will be done in us…Bill Stockham