Bill and Gloria Gaither penned the beautiful lyrics: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there's just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain; Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all Heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there's something about that name.”
There’s something about the name!
Though heroic and honorable, the names of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and John Wayne pale in comparison! “God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:6–11, NKJV). His is a “name which is above every name.”
The name is more than a label. It speaks to the essence of His person and power. “Lord, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!” (Psalm 8:1). It’s “… majestic …” (Psalm 8:1, ESV) and “… excellent …” (Psalm 8:1, NKJV).
He is our “Father in Heaven” with a “holy” name (Matthew 6:9). His name is “hallowed” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV) above all others. “His name is holy” (Luke 1:49).
His name is powerful and authoritative. “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV). He promised, “if you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14, NKJV). “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col 3:17, ESV).
It’s a name to be revered and worshipped. “Hallelujah! Give praise, servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be blessed both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised” (Psalm 113:1–3). “May the name of God be praised forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to him” (Daniel 2:20).
After six deadly plagues had been poured out upon Egypt, God disclosed to Pharoah His ultimate purpose. “I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth” (Exodus 9:16). God wants to be known and worshipped in every corner of the globe. He wants all of creation to be transformed by the saving power of His name. “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20).
This year, let’s join the Psalmist, singing, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord… Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:1–3).
