Daily Devotional: Monday, June 28 - The Name of Jesus

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:9-11

Everybody still knows his name. His daddy raced cars, he raced and his son raced. Dale Earnhardt won a lot of races and nobody made race car driving more interesting than Dale. He knew how to smile big enough for children to adore him and yet his fierce stare on race day made big, strong veteran drivers tremble and make unforced errors. “The Intimidator” was fearless and admired for driving the black No. 3 Monte Carlo with gusto, and enjoying every minute of his fame as a high roller and a big spender.

Some people are unforgettable, but one person stands head and shoulders above all others. Jesus shines brighter than the sun and sparkles during the darkest night. He spoke on a high level, but many children understand him. Jesus combined toughness and love in ways beyond description. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

If we stop and realize how much effort it took for God to dwell in a human body for 33 years, then we marvel at His greatness and we want to worship the Lord every chance we get. If we understand who Jesus is, what He has done and what He will do when He returns, then we would have no problem doing what He requires of us. His name should be on the tip of our tongue, we should sing about Him and we should not mind praising Him all day long. “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3).

When God allowed Peter to be part of a miracle as a crippled man suddenly walked, Peter carefully stepped aside and put the spotlight on Jesus. He said, “Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (Acts 4:10).

— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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