March 17 Every Knee

Esther 7:7-10 And the king arose in his wrath from the wine-drinking and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king. 8 And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” 10 And the king said, “Hang him on that.” So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated. 
 
ONE of Scripture’s great references to the day when all the world will truly know Jesus as Lord is Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  
    Whether one has lived a life of belief or unbelief, on that day each soul will have the knowledge of Jesus as Lord of Heaven and Earth. This does not mean each soul will be saved in this belief. It will be too late for those who have denied Christ up to that point. As the prideful, unrepentant sinner recognizes the true Lord, he will also recognize the awful truth that his sins have entrapped him into eternal Hell. In anguish he will perish.
    Alas, this was Haman’s terrible recognition this day as he stood before Esther and his king. He had carried with him a prideful sin that aimed to destroy the entire Jewish population on earth. He did not recognize the God who had formed the Jews and who had even given him the breath of life. He had only time for bitterness and revenge but no time for forgiveness and love. His love was only for the kingdom’s riches and himself. Haman exalted himself.
    And then came the judgment. As he fell on the couch, he was in essence cowering before his accuser. His knee was bowing in fear and trembling. Haman’s soul was weak. And his body failed. You can see the eunuchs carrying away this man limp in his condemnation. He recognized his life had been a waste. He was doomed. No greater fear will consume a soul.
    When Jesus comes, how will your knee bow? Will it be in fear and condemnation, knowing you are in the presence of Jesus’ holy, eternal judgment? Or will it be in worship, joyful you are now in the presence of your living, holy Lord and Savior forevermore?
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare my soul for that great day when all precisely know who you are. My desire is to bow in joy and gladness to worship you, my Savior. In your name I rejoice, amen.