Based on “The Name of Jesus – Confess and Bow” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/14-15/10, Message #6059; Daily Devotional #2 - “His Name with Us”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): All throughout the Old Testament, names played a huge role in finding insight to a person’s personality, a geographical location, or even the value of a name. In our culture, when choosing a name, we often search for what sounds nice instead of insight. When a woman is expecting, the most common questions asked are: ‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ followed by, ‘What will you name him or her?’ It’s quite an overwhelming task when you think about it, to choose a name that is going to be attached to a person for the rest of their life. Mary, however, was told exactly what to name her first son: Jesus.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Just the name of Jesus has so many implications that I have to be honest and say I didn’t really know where to start. After quieting myself before the Lord, I realized you can’t sum up the name of Jesus in a simple devotional; it has to be lived out. The Bible mentions over three hundred descriptive characteristics for Jesus. He is our Advocate, Author of Faith, Bright and Morning Star, Counselor, Everlasting, Voice of Truth, the Way, the Life, Love, Prince of Peace, our Rock, the Great I Am, and the Light of the World. Those are just a few of the multi-facets of Jesus. There is no way, in our sinful nature, we could even come close to being who Jesus was when He humbled Himself on earth. It is only through surrendering to Jesus and dying to self that we can even attempt becoming more like Him. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29) We are to conform ourselves to be the mind and character of Christ, to pattern our lives after Him. How are we to attain this? The only way we can know the mind of Christ is if we read the words of Christ. It is through being in His Word daily that we can know His character. And being found in appearance as man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8) First Jesus had to humble himself in order to serve. If you look up all the characteristics of Christ, I believe they fall into one of two categories: humility or servitude. Granted, we will never be the Author of Faith; there is only One who can fulfill that role and, thank the Lord, He already did. But we can be an advocate for Him, to show love, be a counselor to those in need, to speak in truth, to show the way, have an abundant life, and be a light to the world. Our parents may not have given us the name Jesus, but we definitely carry His name with us.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Take the time today to simply praise Jesus for who He is. Jesus has revealed Himself to us in different ways, according to our circumstances, our background, our current situations, and what He has shown us in His Word. He desires nothing more than to have a personal relationship with us so that we can know His name intimately. Take every opportunity to know Him more!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): John 10:2-4
ws
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.