November 8, 2002 (50)
HIS NEW NAME. From before the very beginning the Lord Jesus was the Word of God, or the Logos. John 1:1 That Word was from eternity as self-existent as the Father. Equal with the Father in matters pertaining to God. He possessed all the divine nature and attributes of God. Phil. 2:6 In order to open a way of eternal life for all mankind, He laid aside His eternal status, powers and glory to take upon Himself the form of man and become a servant. Literally, making Himself to be nothing. Completely humbling Himself. Phil. 2:7 As the Word, not only was He in fellowship and companionship with His Father, but it is recorded that the Word was God. John 1:1 The prophet Isaiah had proclaimed that one of the God given names whereby He would be called was Emanuel, or God with us. Isa. 7:14, Mt. 1:23 God veiled, in human form, yet visiting man in the demonstration of great power and glory of the Lord. God, in Christ was bridging a gap that existed in His relationship with man. He brought man unto Himself. Purified and sanctified him that He might dwell in man, making him His temple.
HIS NAME, HAS BECOME THE NAME OF HIS FAMILY. To give homage and honor to the Father is to acknowledge the blessed name that He has given to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole of the family, those which are already in heaven and those remaining on earth are to bear His glorious name. Eph. 3:15 They were first called Christians at Antioch. Acts 11:26 To be willing to be called a Christian is evidence that, that individual is ready to bear all the blessings and the persecutions that are associated with His name. A Christian is an anointed follower of Christ. It is not a term that may be properly used to differentiate between the heathen and those who are not, for instance, those born in a < so called > Christian country. It is not a generic name, but is to meant to refer to those who specifically are willing to identify themselves as a people who are committed to Christ.
HIS NAME. The name by which He would be identified was given by the Lord to Joseph, before His birth. It would be JESUS, Joshua, or Savior. That name was and is a name that is shared by many. But God, went far beyond that common name and not only added to His name, but made Him to be all that is hidden in His full name. He is both Lord and Christ, in name, and in the enforcement of the powers invested in His name. God MADE Him to be both LORD and CHRIST. Acts 2:36 This is not a work of man or the early church but is a divine act of God. He has been exalted to the very highest position in heaven and earth, in time and eternity. He was given that name which is superior to every other name, that has ever or ever will exist. This is the choice, the act of very God Himself. Virtually, God named Jesus with the name of the Father, Lord, and the name of the Spirit, Christ, or anointing. To recognize, to worship, to exalt that name is to glorify the one who named Him, His Father. Phil. 2: 9-11 Honor His name and thereby glorify the Father.