According to ‘Wikipedia’, the word Paraklete means “advocate or helper”. In the Greek it is the word for “comforter”. It is spelled as “parakletos”, meaning coming along side.
In the New Testament we find in I John 2:1 it is speaking of Jesus Himself as the Paraklete. In John 14 Jesus says that He will send another comforter—“another Paraklete”. From Him saying ‘another’ it would indicate Jesus was already our Paraklete, and he would be sending another to take His place when He returned to the Father. The notes from the Scofield Bible explains further by saying Christ is the Christians ‘Paraklete’ with the Father and pleads the believer’s cause with God when that Christian sins.
The Holy Spirit is the Christians indwelling “Paraklete” to help each one, and to make intercession to the Father for us. Romans 8:26 states “The Spirit also helps our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we should.” He is the Spirit of Truth, teaching the believer and guiding him into the truth, convicting of sin, righteousness and judgement.
God the heavenly Father has come alongside through the Person of the Holy Spirit. He has put His everlasting arms around us and gives us strength and comfort, through our “parakletos” the Holy Spirit.
“When we think we can’t go one more step
When the race becomes painful beyond endurance
When our hearts feel heavy,
When our mind’s become dull,
When our spirits are burned out
We have the “Parakletos” who comes along side us.”
From Anne Graham Lotz book: “Just Give me Jesus”
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
O is for Omego
Omega is the last or the 24th letter of the Greek alphabet. The word is in two parts: “O” and “mega”, with the term “Meaga” actually meaning “great”. The name itself originated in the Byzantine Period or Medieval Greek Period.
The word “Omega” is usually used to indicate the last or the eventual boundary or finish of a group. It is often used with “Alpha” which is the beginning and the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In the Bible, Jesus Christ used this to describe Himself as the “Alpha and Omega”; or the start and the finish, beginning and the end.
In Revelation 21:6 Christ said, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega…” He was signifying that something had been completed.
When we think of Christ’s words that He is the ‘Alpha and Omega’, He is saying that He was here from the very start of all things, and will be at the very end of life, as we know it. He was the one who initiated creation, and He will be here to usher us into our eternal home.
Several aspects come to mind that shows how Jesus Christ is the Omega. One is that He is the final revelation of God. To explain, look at John 1:18. “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” Another verse from John 12:45: “When a man looks at me, he sees the One who sent me.” In II Cor. 4:6 it says: “God…made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ.” Until this time the Jewish people were too awed by God to even say His name. Now in the person of Jesus—The Omega—He gave His final revelation.
Another aspect of Jesus as ‘Omega’ is that with Jesus we have the completion of the bridge once again being opened for man to be able to reach God. Jesus finished the plan on the Cross when He said, “it is finished.” He was not stating that He was dying, but stating that by dying He had now accomplished what He had come to do, pay the penalty for sin. He also put an end to the law when He died. Romans 10:4 says: “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Jesus, as ‘Omega’ is bringing all things to an end. History is moving toward the finish line. Since the Cross, we are now living in ‘the last days’ as it says in Mark 1:15: “The time has come.” Acts 2:17 states “In these last days…”; and in Hebrews 1:2 “but in these last days he has spoken through His Son.” We now are living “in these last days” at the “end of the ages”. Time will be no more, and we will move into eternity. God’s time has come because Jesus Christ, the Omega has come.
We already mentioned that Jesus is the final revelation of God. Another aspect is that Jesus is the final ultimate manifestation of the Glory of God. In the New Testament we learn that there is no revelation of the Glory of God beyond Jesus. John 1:14 states “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His Glory, the Glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of Grace and truth.” John 12:28 says “Father, glorify Your name…I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” And then in John 17:1 we read: “Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.”
We must live with the knowledge that all-human history and all of God’s purposes move toward Jesus Christ, and is brought to its ultimate goal in and by Jesus. He is our Omega, The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. So be it!
The word “Omega” is usually used to indicate the last or the eventual boundary or finish of a group. It is often used with “Alpha” which is the beginning and the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In the Bible, Jesus Christ used this to describe Himself as the “Alpha and Omega”; or the start and the finish, beginning and the end.
In Revelation 21:6 Christ said, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega…” He was signifying that something had been completed.
When we think of Christ’s words that He is the ‘Alpha and Omega’, He is saying that He was here from the very start of all things, and will be at the very end of life, as we know it. He was the one who initiated creation, and He will be here to usher us into our eternal home.
Several aspects come to mind that shows how Jesus Christ is the Omega. One is that He is the final revelation of God. To explain, look at John 1:18. “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” Another verse from John 12:45: “When a man looks at me, he sees the One who sent me.” In II Cor. 4:6 it says: “God…made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ.” Until this time the Jewish people were too awed by God to even say His name. Now in the person of Jesus—The Omega—He gave His final revelation.
Another aspect of Jesus as ‘Omega’ is that with Jesus we have the completion of the bridge once again being opened for man to be able to reach God. Jesus finished the plan on the Cross when He said, “it is finished.” He was not stating that He was dying, but stating that by dying He had now accomplished what He had come to do, pay the penalty for sin. He also put an end to the law when He died. Romans 10:4 says: “Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
Jesus, as ‘Omega’ is bringing all things to an end. History is moving toward the finish line. Since the Cross, we are now living in ‘the last days’ as it says in Mark 1:15: “The time has come.” Acts 2:17 states “In these last days…”; and in Hebrews 1:2 “but in these last days he has spoken through His Son.” We now are living “in these last days” at the “end of the ages”. Time will be no more, and we will move into eternity. God’s time has come because Jesus Christ, the Omega has come.
We already mentioned that Jesus is the final revelation of God. Another aspect is that Jesus is the final ultimate manifestation of the Glory of God. In the New Testament we learn that there is no revelation of the Glory of God beyond Jesus. John 1:14 states “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His Glory, the Glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of Grace and truth.” John 12:28 says “Father, glorify Your name…I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” And then in John 17:1 we read: “Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.”
We must live with the knowledge that all-human history and all of God’s purposes move toward Jesus Christ, and is brought to its ultimate goal in and by Jesus. He is our Omega, The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. So be it!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
N is for Nissi
When put together with the name of Jehovah, it means, “The Lord is my Banner”, Jehovah-Nissi. Moses was the first to use this name in Exodus 17 when the Israelites were fighting the Amelikites. As long as Moses held his arms high, the Israelites were winning. After the battle ended, he built his alter called “The Lord is my banner” as he knew the victory belonged to God.
We also have warfare going on within our hearts, the war of the Spirit against the flesh. In Galatians 5:17 it states: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh”. And in Vs. 18 “But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Just as Moses held high his arms as a banner to the Lord, thus giving victory to the Israelites over the Amelikites, so we hold to the control of the Spirit and we will have victory over the flesh.
Another portion that speaks to me of Jehovah-Nissi is in Song of Solomon. This book typifies God’s love for Israel in the Old Testament, and it reminds us of Jesus’ relationship with the church in the New Testament. In chapter 2 verse 4 from the Amplified Version, it says “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love (for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him). “
Jehovah-Nissi is descriptive of God’s covering. He protects, encourages, and is proud of us. God’s banner is behind us, and over us. He leads us with the banner of His love.
We can walk in victory today because we know Jehovah-Nissi can bring salvation and freedom and eternal life. We go out with joy, raising the banner high, and we are led forth with peace. (Isaiah 55:12)
We also have warfare going on within our hearts, the war of the Spirit against the flesh. In Galatians 5:17 it states: “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh”. And in Vs. 18 “But if ye be led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Just as Moses held high his arms as a banner to the Lord, thus giving victory to the Israelites over the Amelikites, so we hold to the control of the Spirit and we will have victory over the flesh.
Another portion that speaks to me of Jehovah-Nissi is in Song of Solomon. This book typifies God’s love for Israel in the Old Testament, and it reminds us of Jesus’ relationship with the church in the New Testament. In chapter 2 verse 4 from the Amplified Version, it says “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love (for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him). “
Jehovah-Nissi is descriptive of God’s covering. He protects, encourages, and is proud of us. God’s banner is behind us, and over us. He leads us with the banner of His love.
We can walk in victory today because we know Jehovah-Nissi can bring salvation and freedom and eternal life. We go out with joy, raising the banner high, and we are led forth with peace. (Isaiah 55:12)
Monday, May 23, 2011
M is for Majesty
Though Majesty is more of a descriptive word than a title, it is used to describe our Lord’s worth and authority above all that is and was and is to come. He is my Majesty. He is Your Majesty. He has all wisdom. He is King of all kings, and Lord of all lords.
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, Majesty is a noun. It is 1) the dignity or power of a sovereign. 2) It is sovereign power. The title is used in speaking to or of a sovereign, and is preceded by “Your’ or by ‘His or Her’.
In Job 37:22, Job said that with God is awe-inspiring Majesty. David wrote whole Psalms to the Majesty of God (See Psalm 93). In II Peter 1:16 Peter said he had been an eyewitness of His Majesty. He had been there at the ‘Transfiguration’. He had been there when Jesus rose from the dead, and he had seen him ascend into heaven. He had first hand knowledge of His Majesty.
Writers and songwriters down through the years have sought to express the Majesty of our God. Stu Garrard/Martin Smith have written:
“Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands.
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty.”
Bill and Gloria Gaither have given us this familiar chorus, one I love hearing sung b y a large choir or congregation. I cannot help but join in with:
“Majesty, Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise!
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority
Flows from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all kings.”
AMEN, MAJESTY!
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, Majesty is a noun. It is 1) the dignity or power of a sovereign. 2) It is sovereign power. The title is used in speaking to or of a sovereign, and is preceded by “Your’ or by ‘His or Her’.
In Job 37:22, Job said that with God is awe-inspiring Majesty. David wrote whole Psalms to the Majesty of God (See Psalm 93). In II Peter 1:16 Peter said he had been an eyewitness of His Majesty. He had been there at the ‘Transfiguration’. He had been there when Jesus rose from the dead, and he had seen him ascend into heaven. He had first hand knowledge of His Majesty.
Writers and songwriters down through the years have sought to express the Majesty of our God. Stu Garrard/Martin Smith have written:
“Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in Your hands.
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the presence of Your Majesty.”
Bill and Gloria Gaither have given us this familiar chorus, one I love hearing sung b y a large choir or congregation. I cannot help but join in with:
“Majesty, Worship His Majesty
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise!
Majesty, Kingdom, Authority
Flows from His throne
Unto His own
His anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus the King.
Majesty, worship His Majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified
King of all kings.”
AMEN, MAJESTY!
Monday, May 16, 2011
L is for Lamb
When Jesus came to earth the 1st time, He came to be a sacrifice. He came as a Lamb for sinners slain. John the Baptist introduced Him as the “Lamb of God”. One cannot really understand this title without having some knowledge of the practice of animal sacrifice in the Bible.
The sacrificial system provided a way for God’s people to approach Him even though they had sinned. Those who were offering sacrifices understood the animal was a symbol of themselves and their desire to offer their own lives to God. This sacrificial system of the Scripture represents God’s way of instructing man what it means to approach a holy God.
To the Jewish people the lamb represented innocence and gentleness. According to the Mosaic Law, the lamb sacrificed must be a male, without blemish, firstborn of the flock. Isaiah likened our Savior, Jesus, to the lamb of sacrifice when he wrote in Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter and a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” The lamb is a symbol of meekness, humility and a willingness to submit to the will of the master. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God; He is male, sinless and without blemish. He is willing to submit to His fathers will.
In Revelation we have the ‘lamb’ mentioned 29 times. Here the ‘Lamb who was slain’ now lives and reigns victorious.
Rev. 7:17 “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd; and He will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Rev 17:14 “…and the Lamb will triumph over them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings…”
Rev. 19:7 “let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb has come.”
When the Lamb comes the 2nd time, those who have been covered by His blood by accepting Christ as their sacrifice, will be kept safe. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (the Lamb of God) that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
The sacrificial system provided a way for God’s people to approach Him even though they had sinned. Those who were offering sacrifices understood the animal was a symbol of themselves and their desire to offer their own lives to God. This sacrificial system of the Scripture represents God’s way of instructing man what it means to approach a holy God.
To the Jewish people the lamb represented innocence and gentleness. According to the Mosaic Law, the lamb sacrificed must be a male, without blemish, firstborn of the flock. Isaiah likened our Savior, Jesus, to the lamb of sacrifice when he wrote in Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter and a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” The lamb is a symbol of meekness, humility and a willingness to submit to the will of the master. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God; He is male, sinless and without blemish. He is willing to submit to His fathers will.
In Revelation we have the ‘lamb’ mentioned 29 times. Here the ‘Lamb who was slain’ now lives and reigns victorious.
Rev. 7:17 “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd; and He will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Rev 17:14 “…and the Lamb will triumph over them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings…”
Rev. 19:7 “let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb has come.”
When the Lamb comes the 2nd time, those who have been covered by His blood by accepting Christ as their sacrifice, will be kept safe. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (the Lamb of God) that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Monday, May 9, 2011
K is for KING
“Behold a king shall reign in righteousness” (Isaiah 32:1). For years the Jewish people longed for their coming ‘king’ to restore them as a nation to their freedom and former glory. This King would be their Messiah, and in thinking Jesus might be their Messiah, they called Him “Son of David”. They thought their messianic king, the righteous one to come from the line of David, was among them. He even rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a sign of both peace and humility.
They were right in all ways except the timing. At His 1st coming, He came as a sacrifice; but one day He will be revealed as the greatest of all kings. Then He will not come on a donkey, but it says in Rev. 19:11 “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” Then going to verse 16 it states: “on His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
The following is an article called “My King Is…” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge. When I read it I felt my excitement and praise build until at the end I was also shouting, “That’s my King! AMEN!” Read it and Praise our King!
“The Bible says my King is a seven-way king…He’s the King of the Jews; that’s a racial king…He’s the King of Israel; that’s a national King…He’s the King of Righteousness…He’s the King of the Ages…He’s the King of Heaven…He’s the King of Glory…He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Well…I wonder, do you know Him?
David said, “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He’s enduringly strong…He’s entirely sincere…He’s eternally steadfast…He’s immortally graceful…He’s imperially powerful…He’s impartially merciful…Do you know Him?
He’s the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son…He’s a sinner’s Savior…He’s the centerpiece of civilization…He stands in the solitude of Himself…He’s august…He’s unique…He’s unparalleled…He’s unprecedented…He’s the loftiest idea in literature…He’s the highest personality in philosophy…He’s the supreme problem in highest criticism…He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology…He’s the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion…He’s the miracle of the age…He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him…He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Savior…I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak…He’s available for the tempted and the tried…He sympathizes and He saves…He strengthens and sustains…He guards and He guides…He heals the sick…He cleanses lepers…He forgives sinners…He discharges debtors...He delivers captives…He defends the feeble…He blesses the young…He serves the unfortunate…He regards the aged…He rewards the diligent…and He beautifies the meek…I wonder if you know Him?
Well, my King…is the King…He’s the key to knowledge…He’s the wellspring to wisdom…He’s the doorway of deliverance…He’s the pathway of peace…He’s the roadway of righteousness…He’s the highway of holiness…He’s the gateway of glory…Do you know Him?
Well…His office is manifold…His promise is sure…His light is matchless…His goodness is limitless…His mercy is everlasting…His love never changes…His word is enough…His grace is sufficient…His reign is righteous…and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable…He’s incomprehensible…He’s invincible…He’s irresistible.
Well, you can’t get Him out of your mind…You can’t get Him off of your hand…You can’t out live Him, and you can’t live without Him…The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him…Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him…The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree…Herod couldn’t kill Him…Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him. Yes!!! that’s my King, that’s my King!
Father…"Thine is the Kingdom…and the Power…and the Glory…Forever"…and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever. How long is that? And ever…and ever…and when you get through with all the forevers, then…AMEN!…AMEN! "
They were right in all ways except the timing. At His 1st coming, He came as a sacrifice; but one day He will be revealed as the greatest of all kings. Then He will not come on a donkey, but it says in Rev. 19:11 “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” Then going to verse 16 it states: “on His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
The following is an article called “My King Is…” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge. When I read it I felt my excitement and praise build until at the end I was also shouting, “That’s my King! AMEN!” Read it and Praise our King!
“The Bible says my King is a seven-way king…He’s the King of the Jews; that’s a racial king…He’s the King of Israel; that’s a national King…He’s the King of Righteousness…He’s the King of the Ages…He’s the King of Heaven…He’s the King of Glory…He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Well…I wonder, do you know Him?
David said, “The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings. He’s enduringly strong…He’s entirely sincere…He’s eternally steadfast…He’s immortally graceful…He’s imperially powerful…He’s impartially merciful…Do you know Him?
He’s the greatest phenomenon that ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son…He’s a sinner’s Savior…He’s the centerpiece of civilization…He stands in the solitude of Himself…He’s august…He’s unique…He’s unparalleled…He’s unprecedented…He’s the loftiest idea in literature…He’s the highest personality in philosophy…He’s the supreme problem in highest criticism…He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology…He’s the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion…He’s the miracle of the age…He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him…He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Savior…I wonder if you know Him today?
He supplies strength for the weak…He’s available for the tempted and the tried…He sympathizes and He saves…He strengthens and sustains…He guards and He guides…He heals the sick…He cleanses lepers…He forgives sinners…He discharges debtors...He delivers captives…He defends the feeble…He blesses the young…He serves the unfortunate…He regards the aged…He rewards the diligent…and He beautifies the meek…I wonder if you know Him?
Well, my King…is the King…He’s the key to knowledge…He’s the wellspring to wisdom…He’s the doorway of deliverance…He’s the pathway of peace…He’s the roadway of righteousness…He’s the highway of holiness…He’s the gateway of glory…Do you know Him?
Well…His office is manifold…His promise is sure…His light is matchless…His goodness is limitless…His mercy is everlasting…His love never changes…His word is enough…His grace is sufficient…His reign is righteous…and His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable…He’s incomprehensible…He’s invincible…He’s irresistible.
Well, you can’t get Him out of your mind…You can’t get Him off of your hand…You can’t out live Him, and you can’t live without Him…The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him…Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him…The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree…Herod couldn’t kill Him…Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him. Yes!!! that’s my King, that’s my King!
Father…"Thine is the Kingdom…and the Power…and the Glory…Forever"…and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever. How long is that? And ever…and ever…and when you get through with all the forevers, then…AMEN!…AMEN! "
Monday, May 2, 2011
J is for Jesus
The name Jesus was the personal name given to our Lord and Christ. When the angel told Joseph it was OK to take Mary to be his wife because the babe she carried was a miracle of God and from the Holy Spirit, he was told to call the baby ‘Jesus’, because He would save His people from their sins.
Back in Jesus day, “Jesus” was a common name. To distinguish our Lord from others of that name, He was referred to as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus son of Joseph, Jesus the Nazarene. And later on in Scripture He was refered to as “Jesus Christ” as though Christ were the surname.
In the Greek, the word is “Iesous” (yay-sous) equivalent of the Hebrew “Yeshua”, translated to Joshua in English. The name Joshua is the oldest name containing Yahweh, a name for God so sacred it was considered too holy to pronounce. Both the name of “Jesus” and “Joshua” mean “Yahweh is help” or “Yahweh is salvation”.
Yahweh is God’s personal name in the Old Testament, and Jesus is the personal name of our Redeemer, Christ, in the New Testament. With “Yahweh is salvation”, we have Jesus as Yahweh come to earth. Jesus Himself said that if you have seen Him, you have seen the Father (John 14:9). So no longer is God a distant God, but through Jesus He is God becoming one with us, God reaching out in mercy, God nailed to the Cross, and God rising from the grave to show us the way of life. Jesus, is the name above all names, glorious Savior, blessed Redeemer.
In closing from a poem written by my mother, called “A Name”:
Yes, there is something about that Name—Jesus.
Back in Jesus day, “Jesus” was a common name. To distinguish our Lord from others of that name, He was referred to as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus son of Joseph, Jesus the Nazarene. And later on in Scripture He was refered to as “Jesus Christ” as though Christ were the surname.
In the Greek, the word is “Iesous” (yay-sous) equivalent of the Hebrew “Yeshua”, translated to Joshua in English. The name Joshua is the oldest name containing Yahweh, a name for God so sacred it was considered too holy to pronounce. Both the name of “Jesus” and “Joshua” mean “Yahweh is help” or “Yahweh is salvation”.
Yahweh is God’s personal name in the Old Testament, and Jesus is the personal name of our Redeemer, Christ, in the New Testament. With “Yahweh is salvation”, we have Jesus as Yahweh come to earth. Jesus Himself said that if you have seen Him, you have seen the Father (John 14:9). So no longer is God a distant God, but through Jesus He is God becoming one with us, God reaching out in mercy, God nailed to the Cross, and God rising from the grave to show us the way of life. Jesus, is the name above all names, glorious Savior, blessed Redeemer.
Therefore also God highly exalted Him,
And bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
That at the name of Jesus Every knee shall bow,
of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth,
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:9-11)
“When my heart feels empty and longing
And there’s a void that will not be filled,
And there’s an ache that is truly suffering
And a pain that cannot be stilled,
There’s a Name that I love to whisper
For that Name brings contentment and peace.
The name is the name of my Jesus
Whose love for me never can cease.”
Yes, there is something about that Name—Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)