In his
1875 book on the history of hymns, Edwin Long tells of Reverend E. P. Scott, a
missionary, living in India during the 1800s. At the prompting of the Holy
Spirit, but against advice of his fellow missionaries, Scott set out alone to
visit a remote village. He was determined to share the Gospel with a dangerous
savage tribe. His friends sought to dissuade him, saying, "We will never
see you again." He said, “But I must carry Jesus to them.”
Several
days into his journey, Scott was met by a large group of warriors who quickly
surrounded him, each one pointing a spear towards his heart. Expecting to die,
Scott made a decision to use his last few breaths to glorify God, and to
hopefully stir something within the hearts of his captors. He took out his
violin (which he always carried on him), closed his eyes, and began to play and
sing “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” in the native language of the
warriors.
After
singing the first verse, the second, the third, and then beginning the fourth,
Rev. Scott realized he was still standing, and that all around him was a
peaceful quiet. Opening his eyes he saw every spear lowered. There stood those
mighty warriors, with tears in their eyes. Throughout the remainder of his
life, Scott spent much time with this tribe, sharing the love of God.[1]
We forget
that there is power in the name of Jesus. When Jesus sent out the 72 to preach
and perform miracles, many returned saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject
to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17). In
Acts 4:12 Peter preached about Jesus saying, “There is salvation in no one
else, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” In John 16:23 Jesus
said to the disciples, “In that day you will not ask me for anything. I tell
you the truth. My Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.” If that wasn’t enough, Paul
reminded us in Phil 2:9-10 that “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him
the name that is above every name, so
that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
The name
of Jesus is also a sword in our culture (Matt. 10:34). The name of Jesus brings
controversy, division and even hatred. We all have heard people abuse the name
of Jesus to express disgust or aid them in cursing. Interestingly, I never hear
the names of various religious leaders or so-called gurus being used when
someone is angry or upset. So why do people, including avowed atheists, use the
name Jesus Christ in this way?
I believe
that in their hearts, they know there is power in that holy name. Sure, they
are taking it in vain. They are violating the third commandment (Ex. 20:7). But
in a way, they are acknowledging the existence of God. Otherwise, why invoke
the name of a God you don't believe in? Why say the name of a person you don't
think ever existed? Because there is power in that name and when you say it,
people pay attention.
Please don’t
misunderstand me. I am not advocating that we can use the name of Jesus in a
formulaic way to get what we want—like the charismatics tell us. Slapping the
name, “Jesus,” on something doesn’t simply make it holy, indestructible or
omnipotent. However, the name of Jesus is something of a paradox—it’s common,
yet uncommon at the same time.
In the
first century, Jesus was about as common in Judea as John, Mike or Larry is
common to us. If you were looking at an ancient classroom roll you might see it
appear multiple times. However, contained in the name “Jesus” was His unique
purpose for it means, “God Saves.” It is the same name as Joshua in the Old
Testament. It is given to our Lord because “He saves His people from their sins”
(Matt. 1:21).
Jesus is
easy enough for a small child to say; simple enough to be the last words upon
dying lips; powerful enough to bring us through any storm and merciful enough
to save the lowest sinner. “God Saves,” is the greatest and most powerful word
humanity has ever known, and it will be the final word that will be spoken when
Earth turns to dust and the curtain of history falls. “Jesus” will be the only
name that matters in heaven and a lingering rebuke of what might have been to
the prisoners of hell.
Juliet was
speaking to Romeo when she asked the famous question, “What’s in a name?” She
went on to say that a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. Rename
it as you will and a rose will still retain its fragrance and beauty. But this
principle doesn’t carry over to Jesus. For in His name is the identity and
heart of God. In the name of Jesus there is hope, courage, comfort, authority
and unity. -DM
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