There's Power In the Name Of Jesus!

Jesus is ultimate: greater than any devil – any obstacle -- any unexpected, disruptive event.

It's striking:  amid the unexpected, disruptive events of Christmas, Matthew goes out of his way to emphasize the supremacy of Jesus -- specifically the name of Jesus.  Why the angel doesn't say to Joseph that Mary "...will give birth to a son..."  (Matthew 1:21).  The angel says to Joseph, that Mary "...will give birth to a son -- and you are to give him the name of Jesus..."  (Matthew 1:21).  

And so in Matthew 1:25, Joseph, indeed, gave the new born babe "...the name Jesus..."  (Matthew 1:25).   

We don’t often say it:  but there’s power in the name of Jesus.  One of my favorite ‘name of Jesus’ stories is Peter and John’s encounter with the lame beggar in Acts 3.   Why the lame beggar thought the most powerful resource he could muster from Peter and John was money.  

But the lame beggar was mistaken.  The most powerful resource he could muster was Jesus.  

And so Peter and John head in the direction of Jesus.  And then “…Peter  said [to the lame beggar]  ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’  [And] taking [the lame beggar] by the right hand, he helped him up and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk…praising God…”  (Acts 3:6-9).  

The most powerful resource we have this holiday season is not silver and gold.  It is not an expensive present – or – a glittery holiday display.  The most powerful resource we have this holiday season -- is the name of Jesus – as we lift Him above every other reality.  

For the unexpected – the disruptive – need not have the victory.  Why Jesus can have the victory -- as we name His Holy name!

In 1432 – a terrible plague broke out in the city of Liston, Portugal – resulting in mega death.  I mean people were dying everywhere: at cafe tables – in stores and shops – in marketplaces – in the streets – even in churches.  Thousands and thousands of men, women and children dead -- ‘done in’ -- by a cruel disease.   
   

Among those assisting in the midst of the tragedy, was a bishop by the name of Andre Dias.  Convinced the most important resource he had was not physical, even medical, Bishop Dias decided to maximize the spiritual -- focusing on Jesus; specifically the Holy Name of Jesus.  

And so Bishop Dias encouraged people to name the name of Jesus – in particular – by writing the name of Jesus on cards – and then keeping those cards with them, carrying them wherever they went: placing them under pillows – putting them on doors – plastering them on signposts.  

And people did just that – and then the miracle occurred:  the sick began to improve – those near death began to rise from their beds!  And in due course – the plague ceased – and the city of Lisbon was spared additional suffering.  All because of the name of Jesus!

Now, please, don’t misunderstand:  naming the name of Jesus, is not 'a magic wand,' always resulting in a dramatic healing, like the healing in Lisbon.  But naming the name of Jesus always changes some aspect of our reality for the better:  either changing us – changing our circumstances – or changing those around us. 

And so name the name of Jesus, inviting God into your unexpected, disruptive events.  For the unexpected, the disruptive are inevitable.  But suffering alone, is not inevitable.  We can cooperate with God, obeying God’s voice – nevertheless.   

Obey God’s voice -- nevertheless!   For God can be trusted!  Sure the Devil and obstacles are real – but  the Devil and obstacles are not Almighty.  

Only God is Almighty!  

And because God is Almighty – to quote Julian of Norwich -- "You will not be overcome.  [It's true] -- God did not say you will not be troubled – God did not say you will not be belabored – God did not say you will not be disquieted.  But God did said -- You will not be overcome!"   

Yes -- because of Jesus -- You will not – be overcome!