Irvin Wasswa-Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Philippians 2:5-11
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A few weeks ago a few of us from church had the opportunity to go and minister to the community who gathered in Manchester, TN for the Bonnaroo Festival. We partnered with several churches in the area under what was called the Jesus Tent. The tent provided the festival goers free snacks and water, an opportunity to get out of the sun, and an opportunity for them to charge their phones for free; all which weren’t options anywhere else at the festival. What the tent provided for us was an opportunity to be able to strike up conversation with them and share the gospel. Throughout the weekend our group served and shared in Jesus’ name to a subculture of people who sadly, many would believe are too far gone to come to know God. We saw many seeds planted and believe many lives will be changed. Why? Because there is something about that name Jesus!
Hey friend, there is still something about that glorious name Jesus! The name of Jesus still has the power to save (Acts 4:12). The name of Jesus still has the power to heal and restore (Acts 3). The name of Jesus still has the power to bring that wandering saint home. There is still something about that name Jesus. That is what Paul is communicating here in Philippians 2. He makes mention how Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself and took on flesh to the point of dying on the Cross. By the way, He did that so that we could have a relationship with God again. Paul then mentioned that Jesus has the name that is above every other name. His name is greater than the biggest pop star in Hollywood or your favorite country singer in Nashville. His name is above the name of the greatest sports athlete or scientist. His name is greater than Caesar, greater than Napoleon, greater than Abraham, Moses and Eijah! His name is above EVERY name! Hallelujah!
What does this mean for us as the church then?
- We praise the name of Jesus: Psalm 148:13 tells us to praise the name of the Lord for His name alone is exalted. Praise the name of Jesus. What a beautiful name. We praise Him because He has no rival or equal. He is the only One worthy of our affection.
- We Pray in the name of Jesus: We pray for strongholds to be broken in the lives of our family members. We pray in the name of Jesus to save that co-worker/friend. We pray in the name of Jesus to protect our families and to use us as a witness. We pray in the name of Jesus for healing. Listen, we pray in faith in the name of Jesus because we believe that our prayers are heard and that God will answer them. We see that in John 14:13: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
- We Proclaim His name to the nations: We boldly tell others what Jesus has done for mankind. We share the Gospel which brings forth hope for the world that is lost. We are sent out in the name of Jesus to proclaim the good news that Jesus is alive and is reigning and ruling! Mark 16:15- And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
May we never lose the wonder for the glorious name of Jesus. May we always remember that Jesus is the name that is above every other name and may that always lead us to respond.
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to die on a Cross for me. Help me to remember the beautiful name that the name of Jesus truly is. May that lead me to pray in His name, praise His name, and proclaim His name to the nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
Psalm 135:13(NLT)
Your name, O Lord, endures forever;
your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation.