READ: John 20:26-31
REFLECT: What does your name mean? Most of our names have some sort of meaning. For example, the name Daniel means “God has judged” and the name Isaiah means “the LORD saves.” Interestingly enough, the name Geoffrey means “God’s peace,” for whatever that’s worth.
But does your name have power?
Jesus’ name has power. Throughout the story of Acts we see that Jesus’ name has the authority to:
-forgive sins and bring salvation (Acts 2:38)
-heal a paralyzed man (Acts 3:6)
-do miraculous signs and wonders (Acts 4:30)
-overcome evil spirits (Acts 16:18)
In Philippians 2:10 we see that Jesus has been given a name that is above every other name and that one day every knee will bow to him in worship. His name is Jesus. There is no other name that compares.
John 20:31 tells us the purpose of that Gospel. It says,
But these (things) are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
For Jesus’ name to have meaning, we have to call upon him, believe in him, invite him into our lives. When I was young, we sang a song in church that went:
Praise the name of Jesus
Praise the name of Jesus
He's my rock,
He's my fortress,
He's my deliverer,
In Him will I trust.
Praise the name of Jesus
Our names mean something but they don’t have any real power or authority. Jesus’ name has power and authority, but for it to mean something you must call upon it. Trust in it. Praise it. Be reminded today of the power and life that comes only through the name of Jesus. His name alone is worthy to be praised.
By Geoff Horn, Associate Pastor at Green Valley Church. Send feedback to geoff@greenvalleychurch.com or comment on this blog post.
