On Bended Knee

Bending the knee:  in supplication, when asking for special favors, in reverence, in submission, to honor, in protest.  In the past few weeks, there have been several examples of people on bended knee and responses to go along with the event.

Recently, three couples I know have become engaged.  There are photos of the special occasion with the soon to be groom on bended knee asking his intended for her hand in marriage.  That act of honoring his soon to be wife sets the stage for a lifetime of respect, honor, and love.

Athletes have been either honored or chastised for taking a knee, depending on the viewer’s stance.  Some have prayed on bended knee while others have used the gesture to state a position they believe in by protesting and kneeling during the National Anthem.   

Last Thursday, The Woodlands High School junior varsity football team played Katy Tompkins in The Woodlands.  With 57 seconds left in the game, Tompkins was ahead 29-28, with the Highlanders closing in on their goal.  With 12 seconds left, The Woodlands player completed a pass to a receiver.  As he was approaching the goal line he collided with a Tompkins player and the play ended.  The Tompkins player didn’t get up and eventually the Life Flight helicopter was called to transport him to the hospital.  While waiting, Coach David Colschen of The Woodlands looked across the field and noticed the Tompkins players praying and crying.  After a 40 minute delay it was time for the final play of the game.  Coach Colschen said, “If we would have lined up and punched it into end zone, do we celebrate?  And if they stop us, do they celebrate?  Their teammate is about to be Life Flighted.”  In response, the coach’s decision was for his player to take a knee on the play, giving the win to Topkins.  The Woodlands coach responded, “It was the right thing to do.”  Update:  The player has been released from the hospital and is doing much better.

Max Akin, the quarterback at Keller Fossil Ridge High School, had an amazing first half at their homecoming game.  He had 60 yards rushing, 200 yards passing and four touchdowns.  And what Max chose to do at halftime was just as impressive.  Max and his friend K.L. were both nominated for homecoming king.  At halftime, Max was announced as the winner.  He immediately looked for K.L., his friend with cerebral palsy, stepped in front of him, got down on one knee, and honored him by presenting him with the crown.  Max stated, “I think it should’ve gone to the person who positively uplifts the school and everybody around him, and that person is K.L. for sure.”  Max was a winner, no matter what the score was at the end of the game.

Lessons to ponder:

* Who you are willing to bend your knee to speaks volumes about your character.

* Bending the knee is a heart issue.

* There is more to life than winning or losing a game.

* There are times when life lessons are more important than the outcome of a game.

* Be sure to weigh your choices and their impact.

* Sometimes your actions speak louder than your words. 

* Making your opinion known comes with a price.

* Make sure your message is clear.  People are watching and some may be imitating you.

* Your motives and heart attitude speak volumes.

* You can bend the knee, but it’s what you stand for and do when you get up that makes a difference.

There will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  And that will make a difference for eternity.

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Romans 14:11

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
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 4:9-11

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.

Acts 20:36