Last week we learned what our real
purpose in life is: to be conformed into the image of Jesus. In
other words to become like Him and to be like Him in this world. We
need to be God's representatives in every way and lure people into
His Kingdom. We need to attract people closer to Him. That is our
main purpose, no matter our occupation. At the end of the day our
occupation just gives us the access into people's lives, to
influence them positively for His Kingdom. Our occupation opens
doors for us to be an effective witness. Our occupations do not
define who we are, God does.
In our society I have noticed that
people define themselves according to what they do, according to
what they achieve and not according to who they are in Christ. That
is why when people stop working they suddenly have an identity
crises, because who are they now? That is not the way it is
supposed to be, we are one with Christ and we have His Name.
Scriptures tell us that:
"For this reason I bow my knees
to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family
in heaven and earth is named." Ephesians 3:14, 15
"And whatever you do in word or
deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
We have the Name of Christ and all
that we do, we must do in His Name. Just think of the privilege and
advantage people here on earth have if they have a certain surname.
For example, people would really take extra care if they knew
someone with the surname Mandela was coming to visit. Or in the US
the surnames Bush or Kennedy automatically opens doors. A surname
and the association with one can take people a long way.
And here we are and we have the
Name above all names. Let us read Philippians 2:9, 10:
"Therefore God also has highly
exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that
at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and
of those on earth, and of those under the earth."
Jesus' Name is above ALL names,
All. And we have the privilege of using His Name. We have the
honour bestowed upon us to use His Name for the greater good of
all. Doors open at the sound of His Name, sickness and demons flee
when His Name is mentioned, glory comes raining down when His Name
is exalted. There is power in the Name of Jesus. Not because of the
Name itself, but Who the Name represents. It is not a magic charm,
but along with the relationship with Jesus Himself, there is power
beyond measure.
No wonder the Name of Jesus is
attacked by the enemy. This is the one Name they use as a curse
word in movies. They never use the name Mohammed, or Buddha as a
curse word, never. But they use the beautiful Name of Jesus Christ.
Why? The devil wants to discredit the Name and show the world that
it has no power and that it should be used to curse with. But he is
the biggest liar, because he knows that when we fully realise the
power in the relationship with the Son of Man behind the Name, we
will be unstoppable and cause untold damage to his dark
kingdom.
Stand up and realise who you are.
Speak out and proclaim His power in this world. You have His Name,
the Name above all names. And every knee shall bow before His Name,
every knee. Therefore go out and walk with your head held high
knowing who you are in Him. Not in a prideful manner, but with
dignity, knowing that nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke
10:19). Jesus has conquered the grave and nullified the power of
the enemy. He is exalted above all and has all the power in the
Universe. And you have His Name. Meditate on this this week and
realise how privileged you are.
Father thank you for giving us this
amazing gift of being able to use the Name of your Son. You have
exalted Him above all. You have elevated Him above all else in this
Universe and we praise Your Name. We stand in awe that we are part
of something so much greater than we are. And we take this
privilege seriously and will stand up in this fallen world and will
use His Name for the greater good of all. Amen