One practice that was fairly common in ancient times, and for much of human history, is obeisance. This is the reverential bowing or kneeling to another person. It is performed as a sign of respect. Usually to a sovereign. A king or queen. In some cases, it might even be done to a person who is not royalty but who was highly respected. Since it was very common in ancient times we find many instances of obeisance in Scripture - people bowing to kings such as David, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, etc. However, in modern times bowing has become far less common, practiced in only a small number of countries today.
As Americans, bowing to others is a practice that is virtually unknown to us. Even though our roots are in England and its monarchy, when we formed this nation we founded it as a democracy. A nation that is - for the people, by the people, and of the people. In our break from England, our forefathers steadfastly refused to bow to anyone. This is now a part of our culture. We don’t bow. To anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.
Of course, one aspect of bowing that I have not mentioned is worship. Obviously if bowing or kneeling is a sign of respect, one would expect that it would be a part of worship. And so it is. Once again, we see that this practice was very common in ancient times. People of all religions bowed down before their idols, their gods and goddesses. There are also numerous examples of people bowing in worship that are recorded in Scripture.
As Americans, bowing to others is a practice that is virtually unknown to us. Even though our roots are in England and its monarchy, when we formed this nation we founded it as a democracy. A nation that is - for the people, by the people, and of the people. In our break from England, our forefathers steadfastly refused to bow to anyone. This is now a part of our culture. We don’t bow. To anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.
Of course, one aspect of bowing that I have not mentioned is worship. Obviously if bowing or kneeling is a sign of respect, one would expect that it would be a part of worship. And so it is. Once again, we see that this practice was very common in ancient times. People of all religions bowed down before their idols, their gods and goddesses. There are also numerous examples of people bowing in worship that are recorded in Scripture.
Unlike bowing to royalty, however, bowing is still very much practiced in the realm of religion. Every day people still bow in churches, synagogues and mosques to worship their God. And many millions more bow in worship before an idol or shrine.
Once again, as it relates to American culture, we don’t normally bow in worship. At least publicly. Many of us are too formal for this. Or not used to it. But there are a number of people who bow privately. As a sign of worship, reverence and submission to God. The older I become the more readily I bow in private worship before God. I love what it communicates. I am the servant. God is, well, God. He is the Lord. The Sovereign. The Almighty. I am in awe of Him. I revere and respect Him. I submit to His leading and His will. And well I should. If you are a Christian, you should too. The Bible is full of passages that speak of our bowing or kneeling, even lying prostrate, before God.
The link to the Philippians passage at the top of the post talks about bowing. Before Jesus. It says that someday every knee will bow before Him. Every knee. Everyone in Heaven. Everyone on earth. Everyone under the earth. Yep, that pretty much includes everyone. People who love Jesus. People who don’t believe in Jesus. People who hate Jesus. It doesn’t matter. Someday every person is going to give Jesus the reverence and worship that He deserves. Why? Because He is the Son of God. Because He is our Savior. Because He alone is worthy.
That day is getting closer and closer. The question is, are you going to be one of those who bows willingly or not? The choice is yours.
Jesus, I thank you for all that You have done for me - creating me, loving me, dying for me, transforming me. You are my all in all. I willingly bow the knee before You. Today and every day. And for all eternity. There is none like You.
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