Inspired by . . . the power of His name

Inspired by . . . the power of His name

A wise king once asked the questions:

"Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!"

The answer is, "Yes! We do know."

His name is I am and His Son is Jesus. 

There is power in a name, yet not all names are powerful. Those that are, carry the authority of the person with them. 

If you're familiar with fantasy literature (i.e. The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter), then you know that it was frowned upon to even speak the name of the enemy. However, the power of a name isn't just the stuff of fantasy novels.

Perhaps you can remember squabbling with your siblings until one exclaimed, "Well, Mom said!" Suddenly the matter is settled. But it's not just her word that carries the authority, just the name mom or mother will, for most, trigger a response. Positive or negative depends upon your experience. But the name "mother" carries with it a certain power or respect.

When Jesus exclaimed, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am,” in John 8 the people tried to stone Him because He was declaring Himself God. When He replied, "I am He," to the soldiers and temple police who came to arrest Him, they all fell to the ground. (John 18:6)

There is power in His name. 

Throughout history, people have sought to use that power for both good and for evil. Acts 19:15 provides one account of some Jewish exorcists who were using Jesus' name for their own wicked ends. Sadly, since then there has been a long, often bloody, history of men doing evil in His name. 

His name is powerful because He is the all-powerful, creator God. We can't even number the stars, yet He has given each one of them a name. Yet we think we know the mind of God. We must be on guard against people who speak evil and do evil in His name and we must guard ourselves against doing the same.

So how can we know the truth about these things when we know that, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa 55:8-9)

The best way to recognize the Truth is to know the Truth and to know the Source of Truth. We won't fully know God until we meet Him face to face but if you are a Christian the Holy Spirit within will testify and guide you in all Truth. (John 16:13)

Even so, we still have an active role to play. Scripture says to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. (Phil 2:12)

Spending time with Him, in His word, and in conversation (praying and listening) with Him is the only way we can hope to learn and recognize the Truth.

"'If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:31-32)

Shalom.