Every Knee Will Bend and Every Tongue Confess

“I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me.”

Isaiah 45:23

Throughout Isaiah 45, the Lord has proclaimed his uniqueness: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” The God who revealed himself to Israel is the only “righteous God and Savior” (45:21). Yet his saving work will include more than just Israel. “Let all the world look to me for salvation” says the Lord (45:22). In fact, God has sworn by his own sacred name that “Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue confess allegiance to me” (45:23). One day, the only true God will be acknowledged by all people.

An echo of Isaiah 45:23 appears in the New Testament in a most striking setting. In Philippians 2, Jesus Christ empties himself and becomes human, even choosing the humiliation of the cross. What is the result of Jesus’ self-sacrifice?

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)

In light of his incarnation and death, God the Father raised Jesus to the highest place, giving him the sacred divine name and allowing him to receive the worship of the world. Jesus is, in the mystery of the Trinity, the Son who rightly receives the honor God claimed for himself in Isaiah 45.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you “bend the knee” before Jesus, offering yourself to him in submission and worship? Do you confess him as Lord? Is he your Lord at work? When you’re out with your friends? When you’re figuring out the family budget? When you’re dreaming of your future?

PRAYER: Gracious and Sovereign Lord, it is my honor and privilege to bow before you, to offer you all that I am. I belong to you: heart, soul, mind, and strength. My life is yours to do with as you will.

Mighty God and Savior, it is my honor and privilege to confess you as Lord, to proclaim in worship and before the world your majesty and glory. You are Lord of heaven and earth. And you are Lord over me.

Lord Jesus Christ, today I honor you as God. Recognizing the wonder of your humiliation and sacrifice, I offer myself to you in grateful awe. May I live this day for your purposes and glory. Hallelujah! Amen.