"And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receives Me."
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."
"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
The topic this day is the Lord our God and Saviour's name. We hear this phrase -- in the name of God - so often but rarely do we pursue the question further, as in "do you know?" What is God’s name? For God is surely a descriptive title, never being a name. And similarly in this context, if one is utilizing a descriptive title, then why not expose to others whom it is that you are calling God?
"In God we trust" is another phrase used in various contexts. But again, please explain to the general populace who it is that you are putting your trust in? Or "God bless you!" In all of these examples, we need to ask ourselves who it is -- this God -- that we are talking about. Who it is that we are asking to bless you, for example.
Moreover, who is this God, whose name we do not know? Well, let me tell you. Certainly, I cannot trust in a God whom I know nothing about and I am equally sure that you feel the same way. So let's examine the scriptures and determine once and for all who God is.
We've all heard that God is Love. We also recognize that God is not a respecter of persons -- because as the scriptures declare, the rain falls on both the good and the evil, and the sunshine alike. Similarly, God does not have two laws, one for the rich and another for the poor! And God does not tell me using force how much He loves me.
But I do know from reading the scriptures, and pressing into God my Saviour how much God loves me.
Similarly, we find in reading the scriptures that God Has a name. In fact, it is as a result of knowing that name and calling upon that name that one can be blessed. Indeed, apart from knowing God’s revealed name, confusion rules and reigns. We've seen this time and time again throughout history. Nations upon hearing God’s name go from being a 'have-not' nation to a 'have' nation. Conversely, nations that at one time were aware of God’s name but have since turned their backs to God often begin a downward spiral.
Still, what is in a name? What do names represent? You as a individual would never let anyone misrepresent or discredit your name. Why? Because your name is you! It dictates who you are. And in fact, your name will outlive you. Your offspring bear your name.
Likewise, when you know God’s name and have grown to know the One God who bears that name, then you would not by any means desire to discredit or misrepresent His name. In this sense, neither Jehovah (unpronounceable name JHVH) or Yahweh are God’s name! God never revealed either as being His name.
But there is a name, as the scriptures repeatedly point out, which is above every other name in both Heaven and on earth. And the One who bears that name is the One God, who is before all things. He is also the One God who made all things! This One God who is Spirit has revealed HIMSELF as a Son. He did not reveal Himself as another person!
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not ..." (John 1:10-11)
God who is Spirit, inhabited a man’s body, endeavouring to reveal Himself to His beloved people, including you and I. And indeed, this God who is love bears the name of JESUS! Why even the angels worship Him. Wise men worship Him too. The shepherds abiding with their flock in the field were willing (just like the fishermen) to drop all that they were doing to pursue Jesus.
This same Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. The now risen Jesus who is King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And He never fails those who love Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
Therefore, why don't you put your trust in Him today too so you can be blessed in His love and peace and joy and mercy that is forever and ever.
Stand firm in the offering plate.
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