April 30: THE EFFECT OF THE NAME

Please read very carefully the following words: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the higher place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 NIV)
There is something about that name that causes me to think. It is not a rare name. It is a very commonly used name if you are of Hispanic descent. It is often heard in a cursing form. But the name itself: that’s a different matter. Most of the world and it’s inhabitants still divide History into BC and AD, all because of the impact on history of the god-man, Jesus.
Regardless of what you think of religion, the organized church, or political organizations that try to hide their actions behind a “Christian” title; all of that may “turn you off” or make you angry about religious things, but that doesn’t negate the effect of the name.
Efforts to bury Jesus in twisted art, cynical literature, or warped entertainment haven’t been able to destroy the power of His name. In several countries of the world today the people are forbidden to use the name, death comes to many daily simply because they say “Jesus is Lord”.
During the coming weeks you will see the name frequently and hear it mentioned often. When you hear it, remember what your read above. My question to you today: Where are you on the road to surrender to Jesus and agreeing that He is Lord? You may have consciously avoided answering this question. How you answer will determine how you handle today and beyond.

“Lord Jesus, some of us can’t help but call you ‘Lord’ since we met you. I pray for all who read this to come to love
Your name. Amen"