That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. (Philippians 2:10 NLT)

Juliet asked Romeo, “What’s in a name?” And then she answered her own question: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

That might be nice if you’re a flower. But if you’re a person, you know that a name can indeed make a difference. Names are so significant that people even will go to court to have them changed.

So, what’s in a name? That all depends on whose name it is. If it’s the name of Jesus Christ, there’s a lot in that name. The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NLT) and “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10-11 NLT).

Some may claim they never will bow before Jesus. But they will. Atheists will bow and agnostics will bow. Everyone will bow, no matter who they are, at the Great White Throne Judgment of Christ. But sadly, for those at this judgment, it will be too late. There will be no other chances of forgiveness.

That is why we want to bow now so that we’ll be ready to meet the Lord. Jesus wasn’t born in a stable in Bethlehem so that we could have an excuse to go shopping for a month. The message of the angels to the shepherds was not, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Therefore, go to the nearest mall and spend lots of money.”

Rather, they said He is the Savior of the world. This is good news for us. He was born to die that we might live—and not only live eternally, but live life to its fullest and discover the plan that God has for us.

Have you discovered that plan? Maybe you’re living under the power of a particular sin right now. Maybe some vice, lifestyle, or addiction has its stranglehold on you, and you’re trying to break free. God can deliver you from it.

Maybe you’ve felt all alone. There is an everlasting Father who wants to reveal Himself to you. Maybe you have walked blindly through life, not knowing where to go or what to do. There is a God who wants to give His personal counsel to you. Most importantly, He wants to forgive you of your sin.

Every one of us has broken God’s commandments. Every one of us has fallen short of His standards. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the dead three days later. He is saying, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20 NLT).

When we look at all that God is and all that He offers to us, it should cause us to be amazed, surprised, astonished, and in awe. And it should cause us to worship Him.

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