The Name of Jesus -Part 1

And she will have a son and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins Matthew 1:32 

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her,” for you have found favor with God.”  You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31

When God gave the name Jesus it is interesting to see that he spoke both to Joseph and to Mary. To Mary Gabriel explained all that Jesus would do as the Messiah, but to Joseph God defined the name. The name Jesus was given because God had given His Son, not only to teach us the ways of Heaven, heal our sickness, or give us a comfortable life; Jesus came to save His people from their sins.
One of the most beautiful sounds in the entire world to each of us is the sound of our own name. We love to hear our name mentioned especially if it is linked with assurance, love or praise. The sound I want most to hear as I cross into eternity is my own name being called by God himself with the phrase “Well done good and faithful servant” Our name is what calls our attention at any moment.
Imagine Jesus entering the world cradled in Mary’s arms. One of the first words Mary and Joseph would say was, “Jesus!”  God had kept His promise to them just as He said. From that day forward every time Jesus heard His own name it would be a reminder of why He had come. When He was growing up in the home with His brothers and Mary called out, “Jesus” he would remember that he was different. God had sent Him not just to be born in the humble stable, but also one day to give His life as a sacrifice for us!

Name of Jesus

Is it Time to Pray?

The Bible study I am doing now is about the prayers of Jesus. I knew that Jesus prayed but didn’t realize that in nearly every scene we read about He is praying. He prayed at His baptism and He prayed to multiply bread. He prayed a blessing on children and He prayed for Jerusalem. He prayed for Lazarus to come forth and He prayed for Peter’s faith. No wonder that the disciples asked for Him to teach them how to pray. Prayer was the very life and breath of our Savior and was the last thing He did as He died on the cross. If He needed prayer so much then how much more do we? The good news is that when we ask Him to help us pray He has promised to do it. He has left us more than a form, He has left us His Spirit guide us on His path of prayer as well. God bless you today as you walk with Him to the place of prayer. Is it time to pray? Oh yes always!

The Highest Name

20170724_202952For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. Philippians 2:9 GNB

When I am facing new battles and unknown roads ahead I sometimes forget things. I forget what things I had set out to do this morning. As difficult news struggles to take over page one news in my life it is calming and quietly joyful to remember that there is a name greater than mine. His name is greater than any human friend or enemy. His name is higher than the authority of any diagnoses financial crisis or uncertainty. His is the name calms waves rebukes hurricanes and calls the dead from the grave. It is no joke, no exaggeration, and totally abundantly in control of the universe. What an awesome name! What an awesome God we serve!