"SAY THE NAME!"

Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a
name which is above every name
Philippians 29:

It's a new phrase we are hearing on the news that is being screamed from the streets by terrorists in sympathy for a person who they feel has been killed by corrupted law enforcement. In anger, such folks will get in the faces of innocent passers-by screaming the command in their faces, ”SAY THE NAME.” No one should die because of unfortunate circumstances, but the yelling goes on and on only to intimidate.

Names are more important than we think. New parents labor over what to call a new baby. The baby may be named after a family member, Bible person or just pulled from a book of names. It is a title every human being is called by so we can't underestimate the importance of ones name. A name should be respected in every way but never misused. Of course, the most precious name for we believers is that of Jesus, God's Son.

For many years in our churches, we sang a hymn that I often sing the chorus to myself:

Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He's just the same as His lovely name.
And that's the reason why I love Him so
For Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

I understand that there are folks who have a problem with God's/Jesus' name. There are non- believers who don't hesitate using those precious names in their cursing. Even unbelievers know there is power in a name.

Much like protesters, I too want to shout “SAY THE NAME.” It wouldn't be the name they choose to hear, but it's the only name that has any true meaning. His name has power as is especially seen in the book of Acts. The Christian leaders did much in the name of Jesus. His name today is still a powerful one. People find hope and comfort in just saying that name. Having worked in a hospital, I've heard patients in extreme pain saying Jesus' name softly with tears. We call on Jesus who is our mediator in prayer. I've had times when tired or discouraged when trying to pray that all I could say quietly was that precious name.

In these days of despair that is all around us, the last thing Satan wants to hear from us is our saying that precious name even to ourselves. That isn't taking His name in vain...it's calling on the One and only who sees, understands and can act as He sees fit. He loves hearing His name just like as a mom, I love when my children say my title...Mom.

There are a lot of very haughty people who claim no spiritual affiliation or belief in Jesus who will come to realize one day who Jesus has been all along. Philippians 2:10,11 tell us:

That at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of things in
heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

We could never in our day convince unbelievers that such will come about, but when Scripture says it, it's going to be a reality. Meanwhile, we should have such a love for that name. We sing about that name often. One of those small refrains is a special one to me.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Sweetest name I know.
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.

Dear Jesus, how precious is Your name. It reminds us of love, miracles, love, a cross, Your resurrection and yes, love. Thank You for loving us despite our being so undeserving. May we praise and honor you in every way not just because of a name, but because of who You are. We love you....In Your name and Yours only...Amen