Of all the names that have been given to humans throughout the history of mankind, there truly is one name that stands above all others: Jesus. Paul stated it this way in Philippians 2:9- Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name… Oh, there have been other great men and women who have done many great things, but if you were to add all of their accomplishments and acclaim together, they would fall woefully short and pale in comparison to Jesus. Some would throw Jesus name into a limited, but elite circle of men and women, as if He has a peer group, and for them I have a few questions.
Who among men has had thousands of songs written and sung about them? Whose biography is the number one selling book of all time? Who wears the title of Savior? Which other person has lived a sinless life? Which person has worn other names and titles such as Immanuel (God with us), Christ (the anointed one), Messiah, Lamb of God, and Son of God? The list can go on. Of all those who have lived on this earth, which ones were crucified and then raised from the dead?
Other men have conquered kingdoms, written beautiful books and songs, built magnificent buildings, bridges, statues and walls. Their feats include the complete works of Shakespeare and J.S. Bach and the Seven Wonders of the World, accomplishments that can take your breath away. And yet, of all these great achievements, none compare to the accomplishments of Jesus. He is the one who walked on water and turned water into wine. He commanded the sea and wind to behave, and they obeyed. Which other human has healed the blind, the lame, and the leper?
And yet, as great a name as Jesus is, it is also a name that stirs up much controversy and division. And other than His Father, it is the only name I know that is used as a curse word when angry. I’ve found it quite easy to initiate a conversation with a stranger about God. Most people can engage on that topic. If, however, the conversation continues and the name of Jesus is mentioned, the other person often becomes quite uncomfortable. Jesus prophesied this about Himself in Matthew 10:34-36- Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household. But why? Why would the name of Jesus cause so much controversy and leave people uncomfortable? After all, He only helped people and showed them love and kindness. What is it about that name? Jesus answers that question when He describes the role the Holy Spirit will play on the earth when He returns to the Father. In John 16:8 Jesus says this, And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment. You see, those who don’t know Jesus, have no desire to be convicted of their sin.
At the point in my life when I found myself at the figurative end of my rope, and sin was in the process of destroying me, there weren’t any names other than Jesus to which I could turn. What could any other historical figure do to rescue me? Acts 4:12 is very specific when Peter says to all of us, And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved. One final question; which other person in the history of mankind, even over 2000 years after He left the earth, has the power to completely change a person’s life? Jesus the Incomparable, Rose of Sharon, Morning Star, Lily of the Valleys, Son of Man, Alpha and Omega, Bread of Life, Holy One, Chief Shepherd, Word of God, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Light of the World, Prince of Peace… and my Savior.
Pondering God 