“Because of this, God greatly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bend...

Philippians 2:9-11

So what’s in a name? It has been said over and again, that a person’s name is the most important word in the English vocabulary for them. Calling a person by their name helps them know you are speaking to them directly. In both one’s personal life and in business, it is a sign of respect and familiarity. Sometimes people call you by name to get your attention. At times, it may be one of the quickest ways to get someone to listen to what you have to say. A person’s name can be used casually, with emphasis, or even urgency, as when your mother called you by your first and middle name when you were young to let you know she was not happy with something that you said or did. Certainly most have had that happen in their youth. However, most of the time, it is simply a sign of respect. Calling people by their given or nickname can open doors, and help to build relationships. And that is why calling a person by their name is so important. But there is one name above all others, and that is the name of Jesus…

Name Above All Names

Similarly, yet differently, is the case of the Name of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. There is tremendous power in His name, the name above all others. The Apostles, and Jesus’ disciples especially Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist all used the name of Jesus Christ to baptize, encourage reconciliation with God and repentance for forgiveness of sins, cast out demons, heal infirmities and disabilities, and to bless people, leading them directly to Jesus. And the same is true today for believing Christians who can and do call upon the name of Jesus to invoke, and bring, Jesus and His Holy Spirit into every situation for ourselves and others.

“Peter [said] to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38

Yes--even to this day, in the here and now, one can call upon Jesus’ name to experience healing in mind and body, receive calm, and a deep abiding peace in any circumstance at all—especially in times of great stress and adversity. Try it and see. The next time you feel stressed, or sick, or troubled, try quietly saying the name of  Jesus aloud several times, and see if you experience Jesus’ calming presence and a new perspective. And when you do, be sure to thank God from whom all blessings flow! We need to always use absolute respect when we call upon Jesus’ name, and trust that He is who He says He is in scripture. The Great Healer. Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God. Omnipotent     Almighty Omniscient. All glory, power and honor belong to God, and His only Son, Jesus Christ.

Once we come to that realization, we are better able to reserve His all-powerful name solely for prayer, bringing people to Jesus, and witnessing to His love and mighty deeds…Even His miracles! Jesus and His holy name are all powerful, and have the power to heal, comfort, protect, provide, help us to grow in discernment, wisdom, faith, change hearts and minds, and circumstances, among other things.

How We Use Jesus’ Name Matters

In today’s scripture, Jesus tells us himself that if we ask anything of Him in His name, He will do it. What a promise from Jesus’ lips to our ears! But we need to be very careful in how we use the name of Jesus. Always to pray, lift others up, to bless them, never to express hatred or condemnation of others. When we do so, we bless our loved ones to the thousandth generation. But when we use His name with malice, we bring God’s judgement upon ourselves and the generations in our families. Some say Jesus’ name in vain, in the heat of the moment when angry or stressed, or as a point of emphasis. However, that is extremely disrespectful, unnecessary, and just plain wrong. For the Old Testament tells us:

“For I, the Lord, your God…showing love down to the thousandth generation of those who love Me and keep My commandments…You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. For the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain.”

Exodus 20:5-7

The Name Above All Names

Yes, Jesus’ name is a name above all others. We need to consciously, consistently, and carefully choose to only use the name of Jesus in prayer and with reverence. In actuality, it is how we use Jesus’ name that makes all the difference.  Whenever we use His holy name casually, to pull down others, or explain away our failings, we lose in a big way. For it is important to always meaningfully call upon the name Jesus, Son of the Living God, with respect and awe, as we seek His holy intercession and involvement in our daily lives with gratitude and great anticipation. And then to return with prayers of thanksgiving to God in all things.

Though no eloquent speech or long prayers are necessary when praying and talking to God, it is important to pray to Him with reverence. In that way, it may be helpful to include the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in each prayer by praying something like this:

“Dear Loving God, I pray for ____________ in the Name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please be with them in their time of great need.”

Then wait to see how He answers your heartfelt, reverent prayers. Powerful beyond measure, the name of Jesus is central to the prayer life and practical faith of believing Christians all over the world. Our God is a living God who wants the very best for us all, who works all things out for good. So let’s give Him the respect, awe and gratitude He so richly deserves.

Jesus tells us in scripture: ^“And whatever you ask in My name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything of Me in My name, I will do it.”

John 14:13   |   The New American Bible (NABRE)

© Copyright 2022   |   Adele M. Gill

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