Jesus, What A Lovely Name

Had He been an ordinary man the world would have forgotten Him as soon as He died, but Jesus was no ordinary man.  

Who He was and what He did forever altered the flow of human history and changed eternity for countless millions.

Philippians 2:8-9 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

At the mention of that simple name lives have been altered—fevered brows cooled— blinded eyes opened—deaf ears unstopped—sin’s shackles fallen away—night turned to day—defeat swallowed up in victory;

Hope replaced hopelessness—dead men come to life—lost men were found—devils have trembled—sinners have broken—saints have shouted—and angels have bowed.

Jesus is Lord whether you acknowledge it or not, but how much better life is when we give Him the love, honor and adoration He deserves. 

Grace And Peace

We believers have received much in Christ, but none are greater than His grace and peace.

I’m convinced we need both daily to function as the Lord wants us to. The Apostle Paul often used grace and peace in his salutations to the churches. 

Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

We need to be willing to offer such grace to others.

We are known and loved of the Father and His Son. They are the source of the grace and peace we enjoy, for life itself and every blessing.

It still amazes me that the eternal God of the universe, the true and living God, is mindful of us and active in our lives. He daily loads us with His  benefits.

Chariot Of Fire

What a way to go! I wish I had been there with Elisha when the chariot of fire took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha knew that the mantle and ministry of Elijah had passed to his generation. He was hungry for all the power God could give him. 

Just as it had for Elijah, the muddy waters of Jordan parted for Elisha, and he knew he had obtained the double portion he requested of Elijah. 

2 Kings 2:11,14 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. .....And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.

Elisha called  upon the God Who answers by fire—stops and starts the rain—feeds His servants by ravens—multiplies meal and oil—raises the dead—and speaks to His children in a still small voice. Remember this when you pray. 

The God of Elijah is still moving in great ways to accomplish His will in the world. He is still looking for people who will take up the mantle and believe God for the impossible.

Drawing Near To God

Based on what Jesus did for the world on the cross, people are challenged to “draw near” to Him. 

Hebrews 10:19,22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, .....Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

We must be “sincere” when we “draw near” to Jesus—not come to Him lightly or treat spiritual things as if they were a game.

If we come to Him as a born again believer, seeking His help, we can have assurance that He will hear us and receive us because He tenderly cares for us. 

If we come to hIm as a lost sinner, confessing our sins and crying out for salvation, He will hear us and not turn us away. 

There are only two possible responses to the Gospel Message—acceptance or rejection. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What have you done with the Gospel invitation?