November 2006

What's In The Name?

"God exalted him (Jesus Christ) 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 confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Acts 2:21

My parents told me that even before I was born, God told them that it's going to be a boy baby and they prayed and chose to name me Eshcol :) Some parents invest much time to choose a meaningful kool name for their son or daughter and some have grand parties on the day the child is dedicated at church and given the name they chose.

But many centuries back, during winter, a young woman was pregnant. This woman and her husband named their child even while the child was in the mother's womb. The awesome thing about this child's birth was, God sent an angel to the young pregnant woman to let her know that "God had a name for that child". The angel told the young woman to name her baby boy as Jesus Christ, because He is to save the world from their sins.

In my workplace, there's this guy who sits next to me. He uses this name "Jesus Christ", quite frequently. On an average, at least thrice in a day, he says the name of Jesus Christ real loud and clear. But the pity is, to him, it meant nothing but another pair of words to vent his anger and frustration out. You too may have heard of this name zillion times in your life and so have I. But I'm happy to tell you that "I know" what that Name could mean to me. Check out now as I explain further, my friend, and see what this Name can mean to you.

I've known from what God has done in my life and from what I've seen happen in the lives of many godly saints, that there is something about that Name of Jesus Christ.

One Sunday morning, two guys by name Peter and John went to the temple (church) to worship God. But at the entrance of the temple, was a man who has been crippled and unable to walk from the time he was born. All that that man could ever do is to sit at the entrance of this temple and beg for alms from the people who went in to worship God and when Peter and John were about to enter, this crippled man asked for alms. I guess Peter was one of those guys like me who didn't carry much cash in his wallet. But Peter had the most precious thing with him and he was willing to give that precious thing to this lame man. He told this poor man, "I don't have silver or gold with me, but I give you what I have" ... saying so, Peter grabbed the crippled man's hand and commanded him saying "In the Name Of Jesus, rise up and walk !!!" and that man was immediately cured. WOW ... What else would that crippled man have wanted most, all his life, but to walk on his own legs. The bible says, this man who was healed was walking and leaping and praising God. Check out Acts chapter 3 in the bible.

Yes, my friend, there is healing in the name of Jesus Christ. There is power in this name. The bible says that the Name of the Lord Jesus is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). When fear grips your heart, speak the name of Jesus, because when we run into this strong tower called Jesus Christ we're safe. No evil power can stand before this Name, because the bible says that "even the demons submit to the name of Jesus Christ" (Luke 10:17).

What's your experience with the name of Jesus, my friend? Have you experienced miracles in your life at this name of Jesus? Or do you, like my neighbor at my workplace, use this name as yet another word to vent your anger on something?

Is there any area of your life which needs a healing touch from God? Jesus said "I will do whatever you ask in my name" (John 14:13). Just speak the name of Jesus even as you pray for the healing touch. And when God blesses you with happiness, praise the name of Jesus. Because, at this name of Jesus, miracles happen, problems which stand like mountains before you just move away, every demon, evil force shudder at this name (Phil 2:9-11).

May I encourage you, even on this day, to speak the name of Jesus Christ in every situation of your life, joy or sorrow, and then you will see miracles working in your life, doors and opportunities which have been closed for too long will open because there is abundant wonder-working power in the name of Jesus.

May the Lord bless you abundantly, even as you acknowledge, speak and praise the name of Jesus in every situation of your life.

Have a blessed day !!!

Your friend,
Eshcol