A large part of what it means for me to be living in wonder this year is being focused on God – on His character, and on His revelation of Himself through His word. So, to that end, I’m studying the names of God, and started off with Jesus – Saviour of the world.
Yahweh is salvation
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
The name “Jesus” means “to save” or “to deliver”.
His name illustrates His purpose which is to seek the lost and to save them. He still does this today.
Praying in the name of Jesus is not just a neat way of closing a prayer, making it “valid”, or trying to ensure that it gets heard. It means that we are aligning our heart with His. We are asking according to His character, i.e. asking for what He would ask.
Think back to the last thing you prayed for or about. Can you imagine Jesus Himself saying that prayer? This imagery always makes me giggle, but I’m thankful for the reminder to be continually seeking His will in all things. We are saved so that we can fulfil His purpose for our life; we are now on mission. Therefore, our prayers should reflect that.
Praying in His name also means that we are calling on His power, which is promised to us through His indwelling Holy Spirit when we believe. This is the same power that raised Him up from the dead; it is life-giving. This same power performed miracles, and worked wonders, according to the Father’s will.
When we ask for anything in His name, we are doing so that He may be glorified. And, if we ask in His name, according to His character and power, and for His glory, then we know that the answer is yes and amen!
Our only salvation
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
Who or where do you go to first when you need help? Therein lies your god.
The truth is that no one else can save like Jesus Christ.
This is such an important truth to remember especially in these troubling times. I’ve seen recently how others seek help first from people, places, or things. I’ve witnessed their short-lived joy, and their ultimate disappointment and discouragement. I’ve seen their despondency, their hopelessness, and a feeling of being lost when those things are no longer reliable. To be honest, I have been there myself.
While people, places, and things can play a role in the help He provides, they shouldn’t be where we go to first. If He doesn’t help us, then nothing and no one will.
Yet, His name holds so much promise!
Calling on His name means we are intentionally asking Him to save, to deliver, to rescue as He promised to do! Where do you see a need for redemption? Which areas need His light? Who is lost and in need of help?
I know this life can get hard, it can become so wearisome at times, but have you asked Jesus? Have you invited Him in to do what only He can?
Study notes are from the book “Praying the Names of Jesus” by Ann Spangler.
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I used the Sunflower Background stamp in a light brown colour to give some interest to the pages. Then, I stamped the verses from the None Other Name stamp sets which complemented my study.
