“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,” (Philippians 2:8-9, ESV)
As I reflected on this passage for writing today’s Daily Fill devotional, the lines of a particular hymn kept popping into my head. Remember this one?
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed redeemer, living Word.
“Jesus, Name Above All Names” also just happens to be the name of that song. And how true it is! Jesus, who is God became human, but still retained the attributes of his “God-ness,” and then freely gave himself up to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. The story does not end there as we know because God raised him again to new life, meaning an eternity-filled promise of life ever after for all of us with him in heaven.
Read verse 8 again. I don’t know about you, but recalling all he went through that Good Friday, I just want to scream and shout aloud, “Yes!!! Well done, Lord! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!”
After completing his work here on earth in triumph, there was only one response God the Father could reply with. He “crowned him,” so to speak, as worthy and lifted him up as we read in verse 9: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”
There is no other name under heaven that is so highly honored and exalted as the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12 also reminds us: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
On this 4th of July, our American Independence Day and all that means to us, let’s also remember to rejoice once again in Jesus, our Messiah, and his work of redemptive freedom gained for us on the cross. Jesus, Name Above All Names, thank you!
John Roberts
Communications Specialist