JUST THINKING: Name Above Every Name

      Christmas is unquestionably one of the most celebrated and festive times of the year. While reflecting on some of the music we’ve enjoyed at our church, I was just thinking about a song Chuck Sullivan performed last week. Some of the lyrics are: “Master, Redeemer, Savior of the World; Wonderful Counselor, Bright Morning Star, Lily of the Valley, Provider and Friend. He was yesterday, He’ll be tomorrow, the Beginning and the End. But the angel called him Jesus, born of a virgin. Mary called Him Jesus… but I call Him Lord!” (words and music by Bill and Gloria Gaither).

         • A Most Important Name — For 2,000 years, the name of Jesus has been called on every continent. The pronunciation may vary from culture to culture, but there is a tremendous truth to consider. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NIV1984). Salvation and everlasting life come only through Jesus Christ.

      • Many Names and Titles — Some may be amazed to know that in the Bible, there are nearly two hundred names and titles applied to that Babe born of a virgin, crucified on a cruel cross, buried in a borrowed tomb and risen from the dead, ascended to the right hand of God, with the promise to come again.

         • The Son of God — “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs” (Heb. 1:3-4). Only the Son of God could have been born of a virgin — and that is Jesus!

         • Name Above Every Name — Jesus is Messiah, Savior, Way, Truth and Life. He is the Great I Am. But Jesus tops them all: “Therefore God exalted him 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 is Lord to the glory of the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11). Many fail to understand the impact of that verse. It means that at some time, either at the moment of salvation on this side of Heaven or when the unsaved stand before the Great White Throne, all will bow and confess that the Son of God is Lord.

         • King of Kings and Lord of Lords — Over 2,000 years ago, the Son of God was born in Bethlehem. That took place at the perfect time in God’s plan. But Jesus is coming again, and that, too, will take place at God’s perfect time. John was given a glimpse of that glorious return and revealed this: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16).

      Bill and Gloria Gaither 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.”

      From Karen and me, Merry Christmas to all of you. May you and yours be greatly blessed at this time of the year.