What's In a Name?

Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. (NIV)

In recent years, there has been some controversy over pastors ending their prayers with the words “In Jesus’ Name” at public meetings. At some sporting events or political gatherings, pastors are told in advance not to mention Christ because it may alienate or upset non-Christians at the venue. The people in charge want to keep everything politically and socially correct, so they insist upon neutral titles like Creator, Supreme Being, or Lord of Life only being used during the invocation.

I personally think this is wrong for two main reasons. Firstly, if organizers invite Christian pastors to pray at their gatherings, then they should expect Christ to be mentioned. Secondly, and more importantly, the name of Jesus has always been significantly important to the whole church, ever since the days of Peter and John. Christ’s Name has a divine power and authority that cannot be found elsewhere. We’re even told this in scripture (Acts 4:12). This means that if pastors back off from invoking Christ’s Name in public prayers, then they are actually denying His sovereignty over the entire universe and yielding to public pressure.

The boldness of Peter and John in proclaiming Christ is a challenge to all of us who are Christians. We’re living in a society that wants to delete Christ and Christianity from the public market place and even our history. You don’t believe me? Then follow this link and read a new article about the 400th anniversary of Jamestown - Jamestown fete denies Christian roots - the same sort of revisionism occurred last year in Europe when a charter for the European Union was established which didn’t include any historical reference to Christianity. These are trying times for the Church and believers; but we need to be faithful to Christ, after all, at the Name of Jesus, whether the revisionists like it or not, every knee will bow. (Philippians 2:10)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Name is above all names and we should never be ashamed to proclaim it. We are in the midst of a culture that is trying to ignore Your influence over our history, our freedom, and our faith. Give us the courage to continue to share our beliefs in You. Grant us the strength to place confidence and hopes in the power of Your Holy Name. Amen.