I remember asking my parents some years ago about how they came to decide on my name. Was I named after a family member? A place? A time in their life? No, it turns out that they just happened to hear my name called out to another child and they liked it. So, they gave it to me.
In the Bible, many of the characters we read of were given their names based on a particular characteristic or trait their parents saw in them. For example, Esau was given his name because he was "red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment" (Genesis 25:25), and his brother, Jacob, was given his name because he "came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel" (Genesis 25:26). Some characters had their names changed because of an intimate encounter with God. Abram was known as Abraham after he and God made a covenant. Scripture says, "Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 'As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.'" (Genesis 17:3-5)
Names have significance. They describe people, and places, and help us to fulfill an identity given us by our Creator. It is what we are called, how we are known, and what we will answer to. It separates us from everyone we are surrounded by, and defines our lineage.
So what about the name above all names?
Jesus was given a number of names. The Bible calls him: Jesus, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Holy One, Lamb of God, Prince of Life, Lord God Almighty, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Root of David, Lily of the Valley, The Living Water, The Door, The True Vine, Yahweh, Word of Life, Redeemer, Master, Author and Finisher of our faith, Advocate, Rabbi, The Way, Dayspring, Teacher, Immanuel, Bridegroom, Lord of All, I Am, Son of God, Shepherd, Messiah, Son of Man, The Truth, Savior, Chief Cornerstone, King of Kings, Righteous Judge, Light of the World, Head of the Church, Morning Star, Son of Righteousness, Lord Jesus Christ, Resurrection and Life, Horn of Salvation, Bread of Life, Governor, Alpha and Omega (just to name a few).
But what good is a name if it has no meaning, no power? If I tell you "John Smith is coming to dinner" you might ask me, "who is that?" But if I tell you "Bill Gates is coming to dinner" you would probably rush to polish your silver and clean off your fine china. His name has significance. Bill Gates has power and authority, to a degree, and can greatly impact your life - especially if he's coming to dinner at your house!
And what about the name of Jesus? What kind of power and authority does he have in our lives? Scripture has a lot to say about this. In the book of Acts, you can find many examples of the apostles calling on the name of Jesus to perform miracles, and bring God's children closer to Him.
There is a beautiful song called Your Great Name that sums it up nicely:
The power in the name is great enough to do all these things and more. In fact, Jesus says in John 14:13-14, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Anything? Let's talk about that...
God is not a vending machine. He's not a genie in a lamp you call on for your 3 wishes. It doesn't work like that. What Jesus is telling us is that if you are trying to do what God has called you to do, He will help you. It won't be impossible - God's plans never are. If what you are doing is to glorify your Father in Heaven, He's going to make it happen. This is not your chance to ask for 3 more wishes or millions of dollars.
And let's also distinguish between something that is "good" and something that "glorifies God." Asking God to heal your dying mother is a "good" thing. But it might be that what brings the most glory to God is a result of her passing. I know that's a tough pill to swallow, but God can see so much farther past our current circumstances. He can see eternal results. I speak on this subject with much authority and experience. I prayed, in Jesus' name, for my mother to be healed. She was not. But now, almost 3 years later, I realize that God was glorified in so many ways after her passing as a result of the experiences we went through during her illness, the funeral, and learning to redefine our family. God knew that. So, while it was painful for us, I know He was actually doing what was best for all of us by not healing her. Make sense? I know, it's hard to grasp. It took me months to get it.
The bottom line is that the beautiful name of Jesus, no matter which "name" you use, has power - power to heal, power to revive, power to cleanse, and power to save. If you call on his mighty name, something amazing is bound to happen...
In the Bible, many of the characters we read of were given their names based on a particular characteristic or trait their parents saw in them. For example, Esau was given his name because he was "red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment" (Genesis 25:25), and his brother, Jacob, was given his name because he "came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel" (Genesis 25:26). Some characters had their names changed because of an intimate encounter with God. Abram was known as Abraham after he and God made a covenant. Scripture says, "Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 'As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.'" (Genesis 17:3-5)
Names have significance. They describe people, and places, and help us to fulfill an identity given us by our Creator. It is what we are called, how we are known, and what we will answer to. It separates us from everyone we are surrounded by, and defines our lineage.
So what about the name above all names?
Jesus was given a number of names. The Bible calls him: Jesus, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Holy One, Lamb of God, Prince of Life, Lord God Almighty, Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Root of David, Lily of the Valley, The Living Water, The Door, The True Vine, Yahweh, Word of Life, Redeemer, Master, Author and Finisher of our faith, Advocate, Rabbi, The Way, Dayspring, Teacher, Immanuel, Bridegroom, Lord of All, I Am, Son of God, Shepherd, Messiah, Son of Man, The Truth, Savior, Chief Cornerstone, King of Kings, Righteous Judge, Light of the World, Head of the Church, Morning Star, Son of Righteousness, Lord Jesus Christ, Resurrection and Life, Horn of Salvation, Bread of Life, Governor, Alpha and Omega (just to name a few).
But what good is a name if it has no meaning, no power? If I tell you "John Smith is coming to dinner" you might ask me, "who is that?" But if I tell you "Bill Gates is coming to dinner" you would probably rush to polish your silver and clean off your fine china. His name has significance. Bill Gates has power and authority, to a degree, and can greatly impact your life - especially if he's coming to dinner at your house!
And what about the name of Jesus? What kind of power and authority does he have in our lives? Scripture has a lot to say about this. In the book of Acts, you can find many examples of the apostles calling on the name of Jesus to perform miracles, and bring God's children closer to Him.
There is a beautiful song called Your Great Name that sums it up nicely:
Lost are saved, find their way... at the sound of Your great name
All condemned feel no shame... at the sound of Your great name
Every fear has no place... at the sound of Your great name
The enemy, he has to leave... at the sound of Your great name
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us,
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up, and all the world will praise
Your great name
All the weak find their strength... at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls receive grace... at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless, they find their rest... at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed, and the dead are raised... at the sound of Your great name
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us,
Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up, and all the world will praise
Your great name
Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty
My Savior, Defender, You are My King
The power in the name is great enough to do all these things and more. In fact, Jesus says in John 14:13-14, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Anything? Let's talk about that...
God is not a vending machine. He's not a genie in a lamp you call on for your 3 wishes. It doesn't work like that. What Jesus is telling us is that if you are trying to do what God has called you to do, He will help you. It won't be impossible - God's plans never are. If what you are doing is to glorify your Father in Heaven, He's going to make it happen. This is not your chance to ask for 3 more wishes or millions of dollars.
And let's also distinguish between something that is "good" and something that "glorifies God." Asking God to heal your dying mother is a "good" thing. But it might be that what brings the most glory to God is a result of her passing. I know that's a tough pill to swallow, but God can see so much farther past our current circumstances. He can see eternal results. I speak on this subject with much authority and experience. I prayed, in Jesus' name, for my mother to be healed. She was not. But now, almost 3 years later, I realize that God was glorified in so many ways after her passing as a result of the experiences we went through during her illness, the funeral, and learning to redefine our family. God knew that. So, while it was painful for us, I know He was actually doing what was best for all of us by not healing her. Make sense? I know, it's hard to grasp. It took me months to get it.
The bottom line is that the beautiful name of Jesus, no matter which "name" you use, has power - power to heal, power to revive, power to cleanse, and power to save. If you call on his mighty name, something amazing is bound to happen...
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