Thursday, November 20, 2003 (35)
CHRIST, THE GOD APPOINTED NAME AND POSITION. Christ or Messiah in the Hebrew, show that Jesus was to be the anointed one. Paul boldly preached that this Jesus is the Christ, the one upon whom the Spirit had come, without measure. Acts 17:3 The names Lord and Christ given to the Son of Man, the Son of God, Jesus show the respect and love of His Father for Him. It also reveals the high status bestowed on Jesus. Most names in the scriptures are prophetic and the name Christ is no exception. We know, by the very meaning of Christ, the anointing, that it is the name of the Holy Spirit. Since the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is appropriate that He be given the complete name of God, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an act of God and is that which is His good pleasure. Phil. 2:9 The Father is glorified when we recognize and worship the one who bears that name. In the ultimate, the entire human race will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father. Phil. 2:11 What a glorious and thrilling name.
JESUS WAS ANOINTED TO EXECUTE A THREEFOLD OFFICE. As the prophets were anointed of the Lord for their ministry, so the Lord Jesus was anointed to accomplish the work of a PROPHET. Moses prophesied concerning the coming of this true and anointed Prophet. Strict attention was to be given Him in all of His prophecies. The person not listening and obeying this coming Prophet was to be cut off. Acts 3:22-23 We have found Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. John 1:45 The multitude also recognized Him as a Prophet. Mt. 21:11 The blind man proclaimed Jesus to be a prophet. John 9:17 Every PRIEST prior to assuming his office must be dedicated by blood, upon the right ear [Hearing to obedience], upon the right thumb [Works of righteousness], and on the great toe of his right foot [A walk of holiness]. First the blood. Lev. 8:23 Then the anointing oil, mingled with blood was to be sprinkled on their garments. Lev. 8:30 Blood and oil were also applied to the leper who was to be cleansed. Lev. 14 As the High Priest, Christ Jesus is the confession of our witness and testimony. He is our eternal High Priest. The only effectual High Priest for the cleansing and forgiveness of sinners. Heb. 3:1 Jesus was received, honored and proclaimed to be the King of Israel by the multitudes as He entered Jerusalem. They anticipated a natural kingdom to be established by Him, He was to be its KING. They completely misinterpreted the role of the Messiah, relegating that kingdom to be earthly and carnal. Jesus made it very plain that His kingdom is NOT of this world. John 18:36 Also, that He Himself was not of this world. John 8:23 There is a parallel, for many today are anticipating that Christians will take over the world and usher in the Millennium. His kingdom is NOT of this world. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 17:14 His kingdom is not political, it is Spiritual and holy. He is the Christ of God, the Messiah, the anointed one. Anointed to effectively accomplish the mission of redemption and the salvation of all who will receive Him.