Philippians 2:9–11
After the perfect obedience and shameful death of Jesus, God “highly exalted” Him. He gave Jesus the name that is “above every name.” Now every creature in heaven, on earth and under the earth must bow the knee before Jesus. Philippians 2:11 says, “Every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This is the declaration of Christ’s universal victory and lordship.
In his book Christologia, John Owen writes that in His pre-existence Christ had divine glory, but that glory belonged to His divine nature alone; in His exaltation He took the form of man, bore the suffering of the cross, conquered death, and received glory as a victorious Mediator — a glory that is the reward of His obedience and sacrifice. Before the incarnation, in His pre-existence, Jesus was glorious as the Son of God. But after the resurrection He was exalted in His existence as the “God-man.” He carried our human nature all the way to the throne of heaven, which had never happened before. In this state Christ was given authority over all things, so that He might rule for the salvation and the safety of His church. This authority He obtained by His own work, and it establishes Him as King and Judge over all creation. Because He was exalted as our representative, the completion of our salvation and our future glory are made certain. This exaltation adds nothing to His deity; it is a special and high honour He received from the Father for having completed the great work of our salvation.
The world did not know Jesus; it hated Him and nailed Him to a cross. But God seated Him on the highest throne of all creation. He is Lord. One day the whole creation will bow before Him and honour Him. To confess Jesus as Lord is the highest will of God.
Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Is His lordship seen in your daily decisions? One day everyone will bow the knee before Him. But how blessed are we who have gladly received Him today as our Lord and King. We are called to rejoice always in His lordship and to live a life that gives glory to Him alone.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Master of my life and of all creation. I bow my knee before You, and with my tongue I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.