-Strength for Today- "There's Just Something about that Name." - Acts 4: 10-12.
Bill and Gloria Gaither, in their song, said it best when they wrote:
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain;
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and Earth proclaim
Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away
But there’s something about that name....”
Jesus... it's the only name people take in “vain.” The only name people “swear by.” The only name which stirs up such “hate” and “venom.” The only name which produces “love in the hearts” of many who speak it. And it’s the only name by which “mankind can be saved!”
In His parting words before the cross, Jesus said to His disciples, “I’m the way, the truth and the life” no man cometh to the Father, but by Me.” - John 14:6. So, it’s only His powerful name that’s able to “delivers mankind” from the “stench of sin,” to the “sweet savor of salvation.” “For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ... -(2 Corinthians 2:15a), and now have “everlasting life,” because of Jesus’ mighty display on Calvary.
For more than 2,000 years the name of Jesus has “transformed” sinners,” One thing that all other religious groups, such as “Buddhism,” “Confucianism,” “Hinduism, “Islam,” and “Daoism” have in common is that their “founders” are “dead today.” So, with “jubilant faith” we can say, “We serve a RISEN Savior!" “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth” - Philippians 2:10. The name of the Lord is “sacred.” It’s “a holy name.” At that name “angels bow down, “demons tremble,” and “Satan has to flee!”
The name Einstein opened doors to relativity brilliance, while Michelangelo exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of western art, but only the name of Jesus can open "the doors of heaven,” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” – Romans 10:13. Therefore, how much more should we honor the name of our “Mighty God?” The psalmist said, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set Thy glory above the heavens. For Thy name's sake, O Lord pardon mine iniquity, for it is great. “...holy and reverend is His name” - Psalm 8:1, 25:11, 111:9c.
And for that reason, I don’t use the term “reverend with my name. Because the Bible says “reverend” is His name, and only He’s due “reverence” and certainly not me.
Names carry great significance. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” And to this we have to say that the name Jesus is, “the voracity of truth,” “the verity of love,” “the victory of grace,” and “the “visibility of God!” His name is, “honey to the taste,” “harmony to the ear,” and “healing to the soul!”
Christ is His “anointed name.” He’s the “Christ,” and that’s the name we wear as “Christians.” Wearing His name is “a special privilege” and carries “an awesome responsibility.” So, don’t wear the name if you aren't willing to back it up!
But if you haven't accepted God’s Plan of Salvation and everlasting life through Jesus Christ, it’s just a prayer away. So, pray this prayer and talk directly to God:
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have sinned. I need Your forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose again for my sins. I now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my sinful life. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to live for You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and for giving me a new life. Amen.
Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD