What’s in a name?

There is an abundance of titles in the Bible directed towards the Son of God, including Son of God. When it came time to give the son a name God instructed Joseph to give him the name, Jesus. To that name, the title Messiah or Christ was later added. Today, it is the name we use when we sing and when we pray.

For many in the world the name Jesus has little more meaning than its historical significance. He was just a man. Maybe a special man but a man none the less and others have been named Jesus so that’s no big deal. To Christians, the anointed ones, it means savior.  There is no other name which will bring salvation. No other one will die for our sins. Jesus is a great name just like Christ is a great title.

But, have you thought about the name God gives to his son? Read what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi.

Phil 2:8-11
Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NASU

Every tongue will not confess the name of Jesus but that Jesus is Lord. God has given him a name above every name. It is the name Lord. Adonai, the name of God. Adonai, the name of the supreme being in the universe.

Look at the pattern. God, Adonai, is in heaven but comes to earth and divests himself of that name and takes the name Jesus. Then, because he has been obedient to his father’s commands he request that he receive the glory he had in the beginning. What was that glory? It was his name, Adonai. And, what does God do? He highly exalts him and gives him the name that is above all others. Adonai became Jesus and Jesus becomes Adonai again.

When you worship Jesus, give his name a second thought. It isn’t just your savior you are worshiping, it the Lord God of heaven.

I’m Philip

Welcome to my blog. I have a Masters of Counseling, and a Masters of Theological Studies, and I enjoy blogging about the Bible, as well as writing books, both non-fiction and fiction. I have taught an adult Sunday Bible class for over sixty-five years. Information and access to my books are on the website. I welcome your comments and questions.

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