American humorist, Will Rogers, once visited President Calvin Coolidge. President Coolidge was serious minded and hardly smiled, much less laughed. So someone challenged Will, saying, "I bet you can't make the President laugh". Will was waiting his turn to meet the President and when Will was finally introduced, Will said, "I'm sorry, I didn't get the name." President Coolidge had a good laugh.

The apostle Paul said, "Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11). We too can exalt the name of Jesus.

When we bow to the authority of Jesus we are lifting up His name. Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth is given unto me" (Matthew 28:18). When we listen to Jesus and do as He has authorized we are lifting up His name. In doing this we honor Him. Jesus directs and leads us through His revealed will in the New Testament (II Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2).

When we find ourselves overcome by sin we should lift up His name. We often place a huge burden on ourselves because we go astray from the will of God. Ultimately the burden of sin is more than we can bear. It damages us and others close to us. The remedy is found in Jesus. Instead of exalting our own will, and the things of this world, if we would exalt His name in our life, then the burden can be lifted. The apostle Peter said, "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" (Acts 4:12).

When we find ourselves in the midst of trials and temptations we should lift up His name. The early apostles rejoiced "that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Paul instructed the Christians in Galatia to continue in the faith, saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). The Christian walk calls for resolve, unlike the seed planted in the rocky soil that produces those who believe for a while, "and in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:13). During difficult times if we will lift up the name of Jesus surely we will remember His suffering as well as His faithfulness.

"Every knee shall bow" - Are You Ready For That Day?

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