The Name of Jesus

The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on Dec 22, 2024.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.  Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

Shakespeare asked “what’s in a name?”  He said that whatever you call a rose, it will still be a rose. Its wonderful fragrance won’t change. What would be your reaction to me giving you a check, signed by me, for $250K? Doubtful?  It should be but if the check was signed by Donald Trump you’d be more hopeful because you know he’s got a name for having lots of money. The right name on a marquee draws crowds to the event. I’m speaking of a man with a name above all names, the Lord Jesus Christ. Is there a sweeter name? No!  Matthew told us this man would save his people from their sins. In history we know names like Alexander the Great, Caesar, Napoleon, and Hitler….and so many others who all died having lost the power they once had. They rose to great heights but in a moment it was gone. Not so with Jesus Christ. His name has always been powerful. I’m glad I have bowed and confessed He’s the Mighty One. God had never lost control. He’ll be in charge forever. He’s Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He’s the powerful one!

His is a need-supplying name. Look at David and Paul. David prayed for his son not to die. He did. Paul prayed for the thorn in the flesh to be removed; it wasn’t. Even Jesus prayed for the cup of the cross not to be if there was another way.  There wasn’t. What happened in all cases was God’s will. David knew there was a better land and he couldn’t bring his son back but said “I can go to him.”  Wonderful!  God told Paul His grace was sufficient to face it. And it always is. Be thankful Jesus drank that cup because in doing so He paid the sin debt on Calvary’s cross. When you pray, pray that everything you say is in God’s will. He knows what we can handle. We don’t fully know these things. God does!

His is a conquering name. He’s never lost a battle. In the wilderness, He overcame. Even on the cross, He died yet rose again the third day victorious over death, hell, and the grave. We serve a living Savior. To conquer you must have control. God does! We are to yield ourselves to Him. If I had a vehicle that did what it wanted to do instead of me controlling it, it would be useless to me. Are you and I useless to God? Does He control our lives? Why should we give Him any less than all after what He did on the cross? He gave His all for us.

His is a saving name. Matthew 1:21 says thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.        John 1:12 says But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.          Acts 4:12 says Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.      Romans 10:13 says For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.       Just come and see what the Lord can do for you.  Come. Turn loose of self, useless religion, immorality…ever what it is…let go and let Jesus save you.  He will when you turn to Him. 

So, what to do at Christmas?  Remember Jesus is the only reason for the season. The only name who can save us from our sins.  Establish good family traditions that include God among the other things at Christmas. Be giving. Others may not have much. Buy a present for them. Above all, make sure there’s room in your heart for Jesus.