What’s in a name? Do names really matter today? They did in Bible times. People were very careful about the names they gave their children. They chose names that would fit the character of their son or daughter. Sometimes names are prophetic. Isaiah’s son’s name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (“swift is the booty, speedy is the prey”), was prophetic for Assyria’s conquest of Damascus and Samaria.  With that in mind, I cannot help but wonder why Jezebel’s parents gave her that name. Jezebel means “Baal exists” in Syro-Phoeneican, but “no nobility” in Hebrew. It has a sordid ring to my North American ear. It is because Jezebel was an evil woman who wanted to kill Elijah, the prophet of God.

God’s people have access to His name. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can call on His name at any time—regardless of your name. Your name may have been stained in past controversy. Misrepresented. Trampled upon falsely or rightfully so. It does not matter what images your name conjures up when it is mentioned, you can call on the name of Jesus and His name—alone—is what makes the difference in your life.

It is a name that, when mentioned, brings joy to some and offense to others. Be that as it may, Christians revere the holy name of Jesus, because it is only through Christ that we have been redeemed from sin. From time to time, however, I think we fail to tap into the power that lies within the person of Jesus. The name of Jesus is powerful! Philippians 2:10-11 tells us that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

It is a new year, and as we pray to God, we know that Jesus is ever making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Therefore, we have the ability to ascertain the power of God. When we call on the name of Jesus we are able to live above reproach. We have the power to refrain from speaking unkind words. We have the power to speak the truth at all times. We have the power to live in close communion with Jesus. We are able to put God first. We have the power to pray. The power to resist the Devil. The power to give sacrificially. The power to delay personal gratification. The power to trust God’s sovereignty when you do not understand His plan.  The power to hold back when lashing out is more than reasonable. The power to wait. The power to be gracious. The power to be kind. The power to step out in faithful obedience when things are uncertain. The power to cast aside things that cause you to sin. The power to forgive those who have hurt you. The power to accept God’s will regardless of what it is. The power to prosper by taking one day at a time. The power to look beyond the natural. The power to surmount fear. The power to rise above failure. The power to stand strong in the face of opposition. The power to follow well. The power to serve. The power to say “No.” The power to answer God’s call. The power to live a purposeful life. The power to be productive. The power to call on God before seeking human help. The power to have vision. The power to go deeper into the study of God’s Word. The power to fast. The power to be transparent. The power to be bold. The power to be meek. The power to have passion. The power to live in a meaningful way. The power to see through deception. The power to recognize truth. The power to desire God’s heart. The power to anticipate Christ’s return. The power to hold all God’s blessings loosely. The power to persevere. And, the power to leave this world joyfully when God calls you home.

These are only a few of the advantages of reclaiming the name of Jesus. How do you do this? By getting up each morning with the conscious awareness that Christ is your Lord, and you are His child. You commune with him honestly. Read His Word faithfully. Listen to His voice keenly. Wait for Him patiently. Serve His people joyfully. When you do these things, you are actively reclaiming the powerful name of Jesus, a name for which every knee will one day bow. A name for which you and I must be ready to lay down our lives.