The Name That Bows Knees

The Name That Bows Knees

In the early centuries of the church, Christians were martyred for refusing to say 'Kyrios Kaiser' — 'Lord Caesar.' They chose 'Kyrios Iesous' — 'Lord Jesus' — and died for the choice. The political meaning of 'Lord' was understood by everyone. To declare Jesus Lord was to declare Caesar not-Lord — a political as well as theological statement. Polycarp, the elderly bishop of Smyrna, was offered his life in exchange for denying Christ. He replied: 'Eighty-six years I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' He was burned at the stake. His testimony was: Jesus' name is above every name, including Caesar's.

Philippians 2:9-11 is the conclusion of the great kenosis passage — Christ's self-emptying, humiliation, and obedience unto death. The reversal is total: the One who descended to the lowest point is exalted to the highest. The name given is 'above every name' — not in a religious compartment but in every sphere: in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. The universal bowing is not forced; the passage concludes 'to the glory of God the Father.' The universal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship is itself an act of worship to the Father. Every knee will bow — the question for now is: will yours bow freely, in the joy of devotion, or will you wait for the compulsion of the final day?