Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

In recent years, in Evangelistic circles at least, there has been a growing awareness that Jesus is the Greek form of Y’shua, Joshua in English, which means, Yahweh Saves, or, Yahweh is Salvation. Even the NIV gives that in a footnote. However, our appreciation of all the implications of that Name could certainly use further growth. Not too many people have their names assigned by God before their birth! We tend to take names fairly lightly, in distinct contrast to most of the cultures of Biblical times. There, names were seen as the essence of a person’s being, and were neither given nor shared lightly. It was a measure of trust to tell someone your name. God has not only told us the Name of His Son, He has given us the right to use it, to speak and to act in that Name! (John 14:13-14) However, Jesus also told us we would be persecuted because of His Name. (John 15:21) Far too many people don’t want to be told that the Lord is salvation! That’s no reason to back down, though, or to fail to rejoice in the privilege of using the Name of Jesus. We need to remember, in this present world where there is so much rebellion against God, that the day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11)

I am certainly known in this city as a Christian, one who bears the Name of Christ. That is both an enormous privilege and an enormous responsibility, one that I can’t carry in my own strength. I have a lot to learn in the area of resting, relaxing, and rejoicing in my Lord, as He has told me to do! I am not to take rejection personally, but remember that Jesus said repeatedly that people will respond to me as they responded to Him, and He certainly didn’t encounter universal acceptance. I am to rejoice at those who receive and not be dragged down by those who reject. As I tell others so frequently, I am to take my eyes off of myself and fix them on my Lord, letting His strength flow through my weakness so that His will may be done in His way for His glory.

Father, You know where I am and how I am right now, spiritually and emotionally as well as physically. Thank You for being absolutely trustworthy. Help me delight to speak and act in the Name of Jesus toward everyone, so that Your Spirit may take my words and make them Yours, healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, and bringing Your salvation on every level, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!