WHAT’S IN THE NAME? – by Paul M Hanssen
In Bible days giving a child a name had nothing to do with fashion, trend, or uniqueness. Today, it is common for parents to attempt to come up with a name for their newborn baby that is unique, different, or considered cute. That is all good and well and nothing wrong with that. But in the time of Bible history, giving a name to a child carried tremendous weight and responsibility. A child was named by inspiration and insight. A name was given that would coincide and relate to the nature and character of the child. Names were given that spoke about the circumstances of the child’s birth as well as the future life and destiny of the child. Therefore, the given name was also a prophecy!
The first example in the Bible of a name given was Adam. Adam simply means ‘man’, or human. Adam was the father of all humankind. Adam named his wife Eve (Genesis 3:20), which means ‘life-giver’. Together, the man and life-giver became the parents of all humankind. The names they both carried demonstrated the prophetic role given unto them by God. Adam and Eve are the first examples of names that were given to both newborn babies and to those over whom God spoke His prophetic purpose. God named and changed the names of numerous people throughout Bible history all depending on the prophetic purpose and calling of God upon their lives.
The angel Gabriel visited the virgin Mary one night when she was alone in the city of Nazareth. He came with a prophetic word directly from the Throne-Room of God in Heaven. Not only did Gabriel inform Mary of the miraculous conception that was about to take place within her, but he also informed her of the name of Him who was to be born.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Luke 1:31)
The name, Jesus (Yehoshua), means the “Salvation of Yahweh”. His Name concealed the prophetic promise of God to provide redemption for mankind through His only begotten Son. His Name, Yehoshua, revealed the Father’s purpose for His Son – to bring salvation to a world alienated from God through sin. Within His Name is hidden all of the promises of God for mankind’s restoration. Moreover, all the power needed to accomplish the restoration and bring mankind back into fellowship with God was hidden within His Name. What a Name!
The Name of Jesus can be likened to a huge gift box. Once it is opened the gifts and promises of God can be released and hence fulfilled. His Name, the gift box, contains everything we need to come to the ultimate end and fulfillment of God’s purpose for our lives.
· Salvation is given in the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:10-12)
· Signs and wonders were performed in the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:30)
· Life is obtained through the Name of Jesus (John 20:21)
· The Holy Ghost was sent in the Name of Jesus (John 14:26)
· The power of water baptism is in the Name of Jesus (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:12.16,Acts19:5)
· The lame were made to walk in the Name of Jesus (Acts 3:6)
· Paul spoke boldly in the Name of Jesus (Acts 9:27-29)
· Demons were cast out in the Name of Jesus (Acts 16:18)
· Justification is found in the Name of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11)
· The Apostles preached and taught in the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:18, Acts 5:40)
· Thanksgiving is made in the Name of Jesus (Ephesians 5:20)
· Apostles gave commands in the Name of Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Corinthians
1:10)
There is no doubt that the list given here could go on and on. Nonetheless, the point has been made. Nothing is gained or accomplished in our spiritual lives without the Name of Jesus. This is why Paul told the Colossian saints:
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Colossians 3:17)
When our words and deeds are dripping with the ointment and the power of the Name of Jesus, lasting and eternal results are the effect. The Name of Jesus contains all the power of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9). Therefore, the Name of Jesus is the Name above all Names (Philippians 2:9). It is before the Name of Jesus that every knee in Heaven, and in Earth, and under the Earth shall bow (Philippians 2:10). The Name of Jesus is like a fully loaded arsenal containing every power necessary to overcome any demonic foe or opposition. The Name of Jesus oozes with and radiates the power of Almighty God. Nothing can stand before the Name of Jesus. Everything must and will yield, submit, and bow to the Name of Jesus. His Name contains whatever you need to accomplish the task set before you by the Heavenly Father.
Little did Mary know the incredible prophetic promise contained in the Name of Jesus when she first heard the Name that her son was to be given. Little did she know that all of mankind’s needs would be met by placing his faith in that Name – the Name of Jesus, oh, what a Name!!
As we celebrate this Christmas season, the season when we remember the time that Gabriel first announced the Name of Jesus, let us embrace His Name like we never have before. Open the gift box sent to us by God containing all the power of Jesus Name by speaking His Name, singing His Name, loving His Name, bowing before His Name, using His Name in word and deed, and center this Christmas time around the Name of Jesus. Jesus – oh how sweet the Name! What’s in the Name? All you need!
From Sis Gwen and myself, praying you have a blessed Christmas filled with the power and presence of Jesus!
-Paul M Hanssen