What’s in a name and do names really matter in the whole scheme of things? Yes, of course names matter. That’s how we identify people, places, and things. But there’s more to this story than meets the ol’ proverbial eye.
Let’s take people’s names. How important are they? First of all, we identify people by their names. But most of all, it’s what stands behind their name. Is the person of good reputation or bad? Is their name synonymous with integrity or malfeasance? When people hear the name, what do they think?
You see, names really do mean something. In fact, in the Old Testament, names were indicative of who you were or what you did. Not so today except that your reputation stands behind your name – good or bad.
So, where am I going with this? Glad you asked. Christianity is all about relationship with God and what Jesus has done to bring us back into that relationship. Now comes the icing on the cake: Jesus has given us His Name and the Power of Attorney to use it to affect all of mankind as we fulfill God’s plans for our lives. But, why is this significant? Because:
1 – God gave Jesus the Name that is above all names – the highest most important name is the universe [Phil. 2:9].
2 – Jesus, in turn, gave us the right to use His Name to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils [Matt. 10:8; Mark 16:17-18].
3 – When we get saved, we are baptized into His Name [Matt. 28:19].
4 – We give thanks in His Name [Eph. 5:20].
5 – We’re washed, sanctified, and justified in His Name [I Cor. 6:11[.
6 – We do all things in His Name [Col 3:17].
7 – We anoint the sick in His Name [James 5:14].
8 – We love one another in His Name [I John 3:23].
9 – There’s no other Name by which we can be saved [Acts 4:12].
10 – We pray to the Father in Jesus’ Name [John 14:13-14; 16:24].
A name is only important as what backs it up. For example, when we send an ambassador to another country, the USA stands behind him. And – we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ, representing all that He is [II Cor. 5:20]. Praise the Lord!
Now get this, all of Heaven stands behind Jesus and His name and when we use His Name because we have Power of Attorney, all of heaven stands behind it just as if it were Jesus speaking and doing! Shout hallelujah and praise the Lord of Glory!
In the Name of Jesus, we can heal this sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons, and see miracles right before our eyes!
Remember, the goodness of God leads people to repentance! Go and show forth the goodness of our God in Jesus’ Name!
Philippians 2:9 (KJV) 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Matthew 10:8 (KJV) 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Matthew 28:18-19 (KJV) 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Ephesians 5:20 (KJV) 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1 Corinthians 6:11 (KJV) 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV) 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
James 5:14 (KJV) 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
1 John 3:23 (KJV) 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Acts 4:12 (KJV) 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 14:13-14 (KJV) 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:24 (KJV) 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Romans 2:4 (KJV) 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 