LBW 179, “At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow”
Devotion
In this week’s lesson from Philippians, the apostle Paul notes that, because of Jesus’ obedient suffering and death on our behalf, God has given him “a name that is above every name.”
Today’s hymn both imitates Paul’s hymn and, if it is possible, expands the scope of our praise. In bold poetic verse and inspiring rhythm, it invites us to imagine the story of God’s all-encompassing salvation in grand fashion. We sing the name of this Jesus as the powerful Word of creation; sing him humbled to the point of death, then raised by God’s pleasure and exalted as our Lord and Savior. Then we sing this same Jesus now as Lord in our hearts, enfolding us each day in his powerful arms of peace. And finally, in grand hope, we sing of this Jesus who will come again and invite all creation to sing his praises.
Prayer
O Lord, continue to inspire our imaginations with sound and image so that we may see and hear and join our voices to sing the glorious wonder of the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.