May 11th | Kneel Before the Father

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

KNEEL BEFORE THE FATHER

Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”  

Historically, kneeling in front of someone is done to signify your loyalty, respect, and honor. To kneel before God acknowledges His supreme power and authority. It says that you believe He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. The Psalmist in psalm 95:6-7 wrote, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.”  

Through the pen of Isaiah Yahweh says, “Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear.” (Isaiah 45:22-23) On the last day, Romans 14:12 says, “ . . . each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”  

As a Christian, you kneel before Almighty God and His Son Jesus. You do so in worship of Him. You also kneel before Him when in prayer, acknowledging that He is your God and you are His child. Your kneeling before Him is a sign of your awe and reverence as you come before Him.  

Jesus taught you that through Him you come to God as your heavenly Father. “Our (possessive case) Father, who art in heaven. . . “ are not simply words. They are your confession of faith that He is your creator and Father by adoption. Through your baptism you became a member of His family and an heir of His kingdom.  

God has given you His name. This is why you address Him as Father. He names you as one of His children at your baptism when your pastor made the sign of the cross upon your head and over your heart as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. At that moment you were given your new identity. It is only because you come to Him “in Christ,” and kneel before Him that you are able to address Him as your Father, confident that He will hear your prayers and be gracious to you. 

Prayer: As I kneel before You, heavenly Father, grant me all the blessings Jesus has earned and won for me. In His name. Amen. 

Refrain: Father welcomes all His children
To His family through His Son
Father giving His salvation,    
Life forever has been won. 

Little children, come to Me, For My kingdom is of these.   
Life and love I have to give, Mercy for your sin. Refrain: 

In the water, in the Word, In His promise, be assured:  
Those who are baptized and believe Shall be born again. Refrain: 

Let us daily die to sin; Let us daily rise with Him,  
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord, Live in the peace of God.  Refrain:  (LSB 605)