Every Knee Shall Bow: Discovering the Power of Surrender

Have you ever come across the phrase "every knee shall bow" and wondered what it means? Well, you're not alone! This powerful phrase is derived from several biblical passages that hold significant meaning for many Christians. So, let's dive into its deeper meaning and explore its significance.

The origins of "every knee shall bow"

The phrase "every knee shall bow" is found in the New Testament in the book of Philippians. Here is the verse in context: "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11 The Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter to the church in Philippi, was keen to remind the early church to live with eternity in mind. In a time in history when the early church was small compared to the immense power of the Roman Empire, this verse signifies the ultimate recognition and submission to the lordship of Jesus. It symbolizes the acknowledgment and reverence that all creation, both in heaven and on earth, will give to Jesus Christ at the end of days.

What does the bible say about "every knee shall bow"?

Whilst this verse emphasizes the universal authority and sovereignty of Jesus, it should also bring comfort to Christians everywhere. Its a reminder that Jesus Himself will bring His rule and His reign to earth. He will be King & Lord over all His creation. Wars, death and dying will disappear forever. The pain and suffering that many of us go through will be gone forever. Revelation explains that: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” The phrase "every knee shall bow" reflects the idea that one day, every human being will bow before Jesus willingly or unwillingly. It implies that the time will come when everyone will recognize the power and authority of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the universal truth that Jesus is Lord and that all creation will ultimately submit to Him and His reign of peace.

The coming kingdom

Today we can experience something of Jesus Kingdom rule in each of our lives. And, even though we experience hardship and difficulty we can experience a measure of His kingdom right here, right now. As author, speaker and pastor Tim Keller explains:

“God's Kingdom is "present in its beginnings, but still future in its fullness. In this stage, we embrace the reality that while we're not yet what we will be, we're also no longer what we used to be.”

This should give us hope for the future when every knee will bow before Jesus and His Kingdom is fully established here on earth. He will bring an end to death and suffering and the fullness of His kingdom of peace. And that Jesus, who promised He would never leave us or abandon us, is making His Kingdom known in us and through us, even as we surrender to His rule and reign.

The power of surrender

Surrendering to Jesus means letting go of our own desires, plans, and agendas. Instead, allow Him to guide and direct your life today. Surrendering to Him requires us to trust in His wisdom and plans for the future. He also invites us to surrender control over our circumstances and outcomes. When we surrender to Jesus, we acknowledge that He is the one who holds ultimate authority over our lives. We choose to trust Him no matter the circumstance. We believe that He is working to bring all things together for our good. Surrendering to Jesus can be challenging, as it often requires us to let go of our pride, selfishness, and desire for control. However, when we fully surrender to Jesus, we experience the freedom, peace, and joy that comes from living in alignment with His will.

In the old testament

The phrase "every knee shall bow" is also mentioned in Isaiah 45:23. In this passage, God declares, "By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’" Here, God asserts His absolute sovereignty and the universal recognition of His authority.

So what does "every knee shall bow" mean to us today?

The phrase "every knee shall bow" carries profound spiritual significance for Christians. It reminds us of the privilege and responsibility we have to submit to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As believers, we are called to align our lives with His will, to recognize His authority over every aspect of our lives, and to surrender ourselves to Him completely.. Understanding the biblical significance of "every knee shall bow" has practical implications for our faith. It calls us to examine our hearts and evaluate our level of surrender to Jesus. Are we truly submitting to His lordship in every area of our lives? Are we living in alignment with His will? These questions challenge us to deepen our commitment. It reminds us that when must submit ourselves fully to His Lordship and align our lives with His teachings, we will experience His perfect peace and love as we wait for the fullness of His coming Kingdom.