Friday, April 22, 2016

Is His Name Important?

We call on the name of Jesus often, but is it the name that is important? The religious authorities seemed to think so back in the first days of the Acts of the Apostles. First the command came to not speak or teach, and then the command was repeated after a beating. No doubt the authorities thought they were being merciful and just in this progression.

So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:18)

And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (Acts 5:40)

So, the Jewish religious authorities of the day agree the name is important. What about our more recent past? Do you remember that old saying about not mentioning the name of the adversary lest he hear and come to visit? Probably you do. Well, if naming someone brings him to your side...

JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! Immanuel! God of Heaven! Let us call out and bring Him to visit today! Of course we know that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age. Sometimes our fears are a bit on the silly side, but the truth is that a name is important and the name of Jesus most important of all.

Tribulations abound in this world; call on the name of Jesus today. Bring to Him your challenges, problems, difficulties, tribulations, and yes, your sins as well. It's not like He doesn't know them already. Bring the joy of the Lord into your house by calling on His name. Trust in the power of Jesus' name, for: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:9-11).

Indeed. Amen!
Bucky

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