Bible Reading: Psalm 113
Praise ye the Lord! Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.” – Psalm 113:1 (KJV).
Name is generally for identification. It usually has two dimensions. First is the expectation before you are born. This determines what type of name you are given. Thus you may be named because of some events that occurred at that time, particularly those with African background or what is perceived or expected to be your purpose on earth like Jesus Christ. God, the father, told Joseph about Mary in Matthew 1:21 (KJV): “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
On the other hand, your name acquires a new meaning based on what you do and what people associate with you. Jesus Christ suffered the most humiliating death on the cross so that we shall live. He sacrificed his life for us so that we may conquer death. Based on this, God the father rewarded him accordingly as shown in Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV), “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Now, based on the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made, his name has turned to wonders. At the mention of his name, demons are chased out, infirmities are healed (Acts 3:2-16), the needy is lifted and placed among princes ( Psalm 113:7-8 ), barrenness is transformed to fruitfulness ( Psalm 113:9 ).
However, he paid a big price for this achievement. He humbled himself, left heaven and came to be crucified by his own creation! He was always obedient to God the father. So as children of God, the name Jesus will always work for us as long as we obey him and live a life of holiness. In addition to this, you need to examine your work, will it cause people to remember you for good or evil. ( Tabitha was raised from death because of her good works ( Acts 9: 36-40)).
Action point: Examine yourself to ascertain whether you are living a life that is expected of a Christian. If not, list the areas of your shortcomings and begin to address them urgently.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero