The Name Jesus

What does the name Jesus mean to you? No, seriously. I want you to take the next 60 seconds to think about what that name means to you. If nothing is coming to you, say His name out loud. No distractions. No outside noise. Turn the television off. If you have to go into the bathroom just to get alone for one minute, do it now. I'll be here waiting for you. 

Did you truly just spend the last 60 seconds thinking about Jesus? Did you say His name out loud? If so (and I truly hope you did) what happened? I'm not asking this as a rhetorical question. I want you to comment with details of what happened when you spent 60 seconds uninterrupted while calling on the name of Jesus. 

Why do we call on the name of Jesus? There are many people who say His name with no reverence whatsoever. His name is used even as a curse or as a way of expressing extreme frustration. I refer to this as 'prank calling' Jesus. In my experience of calling on His name, He answers. It is up to me how I am going to receive Him when He responds. The most powerful times of worship during church have been simply when we have sung His name together as one voice. 

Think about these scriptures regarding the name of Jesus:

-"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (No other name will allow us access to Heaven)

-"...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Ephesians 5:20 (It's because of Jesus we can give thanks in all circumstances and for all things.)

-"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." Philippians 2:10-11 (There is nobody who will not one day bow to confess Jesus as Lord. Whether it is here on earth or when they reach eternity, there is only ONE name that will remain!)

-"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:3 (Jesus is the name that brings peace)

I could continue listing scripture after scripture of the ways Jesus' name is used. He is so many things there really are no words to describe Him! Take the time today to say His name and spend at least 60 seconds in His presence!!

This is one of the songs we sing at church that seems to usher in His presence every times it's sung: