24 August 2008
What's in a Name? (Part I)
August/25/2008 03:24 PM
Matt. 1:21, 23 says, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”
It seems these passages are reserved for Christmas time. I believe we need to remind ourselves all year round of how the Word of God took on flesh to fulfill God’s plan to bring forgiveness of our sins so we could be reconciled back to the Father. Because of what Jesus did, we can say with confidence and joy that God is with us.
The Bible says that Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death, even the death of a cross. He was tempted in every way we are but He never sinned. He allowed Himself to be beaten, torn, mocked and finally nailed to a wooden cross by His hands and feet. We deserved this punishment for our sins; but He took our place. Yes, He died for us, but He rose from the dead victorious too! Hallelujah!
These are things we know already. They are foundation knowledge to our faith; but it is always good to reflect afresh on what He has done for us and what our salvation really cost. He redeemed us with His own precious blood, the blood that now perpetually cleanses us! Isn’t that wonderful? If we sin five minutes or even fifty years later, we just ask Him to forgive us, and His blood still works and forgiveness is ours. His blood washed us white as snow when we were saved, but His blood never, never loses its power! Oh glory! I just feel like shouting right now and I just think I will!
To save means to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, to make to do well, and to make whole. Salvation is not just escaping Hell and gaining Heaven; even though that would be reason enough to worship and praise Him for eternity. When He saved us, He completely saved us by delivering us from bondage to the kingdom of darkness, from sin, sickness and disease, poverty and lack, and spiritual death! Thank you Jesus! I do believe I am preaching myself happy!
There are times when the enemy attacks or we are facing a challenge in life. It is very easy to get our eyes on the problem or sickness more than Jesus and the salvation that belongs to us. There are times when the problem seems bigger than the promise. I know because I have been there too!
When sickness tries to attack my body or my loved ones, I remind the devil that I am a child God. The word says that healing is the children’s bread! So I just proclaim right out loud so the enemy can hear that healing belongs to me and that he has no right to take my bread! I just quote him 1 Peter 2:24 and stand on that word that by Jesus stripes I was healed.
The next time fear tries to grip us that we won’t be able to make ends meet; let’s just stop and run to the word! We need to remind ourselves that God has never failed and He will not fail now or ever. We can just claim Philippians 4:19 that says, “But my God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
The next time we are tempted to worry about our children, our job, our marriage or anything that we feel anxious about, go to the word! Cast all of your care upon Him for He cares for you! It’s good to find two or three scriptures that cover our case, learn them and confess them. Get the word in our heart and coming out of our mouth.
Everything we will ever need is found in the name of Jesus: healing, blessing, peace of mind, direction, deliverance and more. Because of what Jesus did for us, now God is with us. He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
kimconnor@whwc.org
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