Those who know your name trust in you, Lord!

Luke 2:16-21

They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them. Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them. Eight days later, at the baby’s circumcision ceremony, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was even conceived.

Food for thought!

When the new born child was eight days old (counting from December 25 to January 8 are eight days), he was named Jesus. On this day, the day we begin our new year, the new baby was named “Jesus”. This is not a coincidence; it is providence. Divine providence gives us “Jesus” to begin with the new year. Why?

The answer is in the reading from Numbers 6:22-27.

Now the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons that they are to give this special blessing to the people of Israel: ‘May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor, and give you his peace.’ This is how Aaron and his sons shall call down my name upon the people of Israel; and I myself will personally bless them.”


Why the name Jesus? Well, it is the name given to us to call down God's blessings. This is how Aaron and his sons shall call down my name upon the people and I myself will personally bless them.


A name which is above every other name!

Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-10)

Each of us possesses a name. It is a name given to us by our parents. Perhaps we were named after some relative, or we were just given a name that our parents liked. Whatever the reason and however you came by your name, there is probably great significance behind your name or mine. In our text, we are told of a name that does have great significance. The name of Jesus stands out as a name above all other names. Why? There must be something very special about this Name.

It is a name picked by the Father - The name Jesus was not given to our Lord by Mary and Joseph. It was a name handpicked by God, Matthew 1:21. Lest you forget, there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, (Acts 4:12).

The name Jesus means, "Jehovah Is Salvation." This precious, sweet name reveals a side of Jesus that many fail to grasp. When the Father sent Jesus to come into the world, He was sending a message to humanity. It was a message that said, "I have not forgotten, nor forsaken you. I love you and I give you my Son who will reveal me to you." (John 14:9)

The name Jesus at once reveals the Son's mission, (Luke 19:10), and the Father's heart, (2 Peter 3:9). God isn't in the damning business. He is in the saving business! He wants no one to go to Hell. In fact, He tells us that hell was not made for the lost, it was made for the devil and his angels, (Matthew 25:41). When the Father chose the name Jesus as the one His Son would bear, He was telling us in one word that His goal was the redemption and salvation of mankind.

As Psalm 9:10 reminds us so well, “Those who know your name trust in you, O LORD.” Yes, there is something special about that name. Have you experienced the power behind the name Jesus? If you have, then you know why this is a name above every other name. You know why Jesus is exalted and why just the mention of that precious name speaks peace to the troubled, comfort to the hurting, life to the dead, joy to the sad, hope for the hopeless and glory to God. During the year 2015 remember to call upon the name Jesus as often as you can. He is as close as the mention of His name - (Isa. 55:6).

Happy new year!