What's in a name? We've all heard this question, though some of us likely don't know where it came from... It was a line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It is an argument that Juliet tries to make about her beloved Romeo. His name alone, Montague, kept the two young lovers from being united. Her family would not permit her to have any part of "that" name.
We see by this example in classic literature how powerful, and how devisive a name can be. Let's look at another name that is even more devisive, and by all means, much more powerful... A name that has calmed hearts of those in need, while at the same time brought sneers and scorn from those who don't believe... a name that has been used as both a blessing as well as a curse word... JESUS.
Can you think of any other name that can get as quick or as intense a reaction just by speaking it? Why? POWER! Even those who deny the power of the name of Jesus recognize it. Why else would they feel so threatened by or opposed to it? The very name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) means "salvation". When you stop and take time to think about the word "salvation", likely many images will come to mind... suffering, sacrifice, blood... Resurrection!
This name has been used to heal the sick, cast out demons, comfort the hurting. Take a couple of minutes and think about your own personal experiences or those that you have heard from others about the power of the name of Jesus. Feel free to post them in response to this thread. Most of us have likely read the verses below. Again, they will bring one of two responses... agreement and embrace or denial and rejection.
Philippians 2:9-11
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Take a few minutes and listen to the song below... If you agree with and embrace the verses above, I think it will bless you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gbBrlAVm20
