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Respite For the Weary
My most recent ABC posts have been: Kind words, Kind ways; Loving Lord of my Life; Make me, Mold me, Move me. Today's post is Name above all Names.
Name above all Names? Synopsis of Genesis 1:1-9.
In one point in time and history, all people spoke the same language. These people who lived in the land of Shinar, came together and said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city and a tower whose top will reach heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the earth." God, seeing the intentions of their heart, could not allow them to succeed with their power-hungry plans. They wanted to be as strong and mighty as God Himself, but He alone bears the Name above all Names. Therefore, while the people were in the midst of building their high tower, He confused their language; no one could understand what was being said to one another. As a result, the building process stopped, and the people scattered across the face of the earth.
Name above all Names! Synopsis of Philippians 2:6-11.
There is only One who bears the Name above all Names, and that is Jesus. Jesus is One with God; Jesus is God incarnate. Scripture says, Jesus, who, existing in the form of God did not consider equality with God a thing to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of men, and when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that 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 every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A few questions to ponder:
Am I trying to "make a name for myself" in some way?
Do I wrestle with pride or control in relationships or agendas?
What can I do in a practical way to help me turn my heart towards the Lord in these areas?
When looking at these two stories, I see one people group, unified for the purpose of making themselves great and powerful, with no regard of God at all. As a result, there was both confusion and dispersion. And then. there is Jesus, King of kings, Lord of Lords, coming to earth as a bond-slave, and giving up His own life by dying on a cross for the sins of all people... for the purpose of unifying us to him as well as to others. Scripture implores, Make your own attitude like that of Christ Jesus (Phil. 2:5).
Let each one of us, TODAY, bend our knee to the Name above all Names. And then, let each one of us, TODAY, rise up and live like Jesus did. We are here not to make a name for ourselves, but to magnify his name by the things we say and do.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Psalm 115:1
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28
Dear Lord,
We thank you that whatever happens on this earth, good or evil, all believers in Christ have eternal salvation with you. Help us to stand firm "as one man" believing in this promise. You are the Victor over life, over death, over all. Amen.