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!
’Til next time — Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 