Daily Devotions

Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” vss. 9-10

Philippians 2:9-11

Paul tells the Philippians that the Jesus who humbled himself unto death has been highly exalted and is worthy of worship. While Paul doesn’t specify the form of that worship, believers have certainly taken his words to heart. Their faith communities regularly gather for worship and almost always there will be a cross or crucifix to remind them that Jesus is to be their center of worship and praise. Paul doesn’t direct the form or style of worship and countless varieties have evolved through the centuries.

In recent years, as worship has come to be seen as entertainment, some believe that the place of Jesus as the center of attention has been replaced by gifted musicians acting as song leaders. In their estimation the change has diminished opportunities for meditation and reflection. Paul seems to have seen worship as a time to “bend the knee” and indeed, for centuries no worshiper would dream of approaching the cross without genuflexion, a conscious bending of the knee in entering the sanctuary. There is much to be said for that practice, even though it’s not a part of all traditions. The bent knee and the bowed head remind us that Jesus is our Lord, and that we haven’t come to be entertained, no matter how talented the current performers might be.

Thought for the Day: How do I acknowledge Jesus as Lord in worship?