Sometimes it just hits you. I’ve been struggling lately, not really being able to put my finger on anything in particular as to the reason why. Sure, there are lots of things, but nothing in particular except the sense that I am not worshiping Jesus like I should. Then my bible readings have come together and clicked. Jesus is like no other. His is a name above every name!

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

In two days, I will be celebrating 14 years of sobriety. That’s a good thing, certainly, but it’s not the best thing. The best thing about that is I’m celebrating 14 years as a born-again believer. I’m like the paralytic whose friends lowered him through the roof for Jesus to heal. Certainly, Jesus healed his legs, but, more importantly, Jesus forgave his sins. Jesus healed my alcoholism, but what he really did was save my soul.

Jesus – Say His Name!

Most of my life, I used the name of Jesus as a cuss word. A cuss word! And, oh, how I could cuss! I would practice by changing the inflection and looking for just the right occasions to use it. The rest of the world is the same. Using the name of Jesus to curse seems to come naturally.

Yet, when God had mercy on me, I no longer wanted to cuss his name. Something drastically changed inside of me. While I didn’t want to cuss, I now found it was very difficult to say his name. It was almost as if the word “Jesus” would get caught on my tongue and wouldn’t come out. I know this sounds silly, but I had to deliberately practice saying his name out loud until it was easier. Even today, I still find it easier to say, “God” or “Spirit”, but the name above every name? That still has trouble coming out.

Others have said they have found this to be true with them, too. I find this fascinating. Clearly, there is far more to this than simply phonetics. It is spiritual. While I now can say, “Jesus” in a positive manner (and no longer cuss it), it comes with a price. As Jesus said, “…and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 10:22)

Gladly Count It All As Loss.

I’m not going to gloss this over. Realizing that friends and family shun you simply because you are born-again is a tough pill to swallow. People don’t like “my type” spoiling their fun (See John 3:20-21). I need to keep all this in the right perspective.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:7-8

Furthermore, I’m not looking back from the plow, (Luke 9:62), not out of fear but rather because of what I have gained.

Who Is This Guy?

Who is this guy, the one with a name above every name? Let me give you just a few verses.

Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

John 14:9 Whoever has seen me as seen the Father.

2 Corinthians 4:4, 6 …Christ, who is the image of God…. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Why Me, Lord?

Jesus? He is everything.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

I still haven’t figured out why God had mercy on me. Here’s something from last year that you may find interesting. Also, as to the name above every name? The name of Jesus is, “Lord.” For a short clip on that. click here.

Father, I thank you for saving me. Oh, the riches ahead of me and the destruction you rescued me from. Thank you for your mercy. Amen.

Copyright © 2021 Scott Powers