Lent, a Season of Hope: Preparing Our Hearts for Easter, Day 35
Philippians 2:9-11
“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place
and gave Him the Name that is above every Name,
that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Gently placing our little grandson on the soft mattress, I soothed him quietly as he fussed a bit, hoping he would settle down for a nap. Thinking that singing a song might be the answer, a favorite came to my mind. It became a habit to sing it at bedtime and is now known as the “Jesus” song to our youngest two grands. As naptime or overnight stays with us became fewer and far between, their mother—our daughter—carried on the ritual in their own home to sing it at bedtime.
Jesus, there’s just something about the name.
Whatever time of year, especially during the Lenten season, it is good to be reminded of what Isaiah prophesied of Jesus’ coming: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The prophecy is of the coming rule of Jesus on earth, His birth, deity, His earthly government, His just Kingdom and the Eternity of Christ.
Matthew 1:23 records that the Holy Spirit gave Joseph instructions about the name for the baby to be born to Mary, “And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.”
His name means Immanuel, God with us. At His death on the cross, He was with us. In the tomb, He was with us. At His resurrection, He was with us. And He remains with us through His Holy Spirit.
There is power in the name of Jesus: it is by the authority of His name that we pray; it is by the authority of His name that we rebuke the evil one; it is at the name that every knee will bow and every tongue in heaven and on earth and even under the earth will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. This is what we celebrate at Easter. Jesus lives! Jesus will reign forever!
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that Name!”
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.
~ written by Bill and Gloria Gaither
Father in Heaven, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus, the name above all names. We acknowledge that there is power in His name; demons tremble at His name; there is authority in His name. As we go through our day, remind us to whisper the name, Jesus. Forever we will pray in His name. Amen.
~ painting by Harry Herman Rosalind
