December 21, The name above all names!
Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.
Philippians 2:9
There are over 200 names and titles for Jesus in the Bible. Many of these references become increasingly familiar during Christmas. Today, I share three of these names as a reminder of how close God is to you at this very moment. Find comfort, hope, and strength in the names of Jesus.
Jesus is called the Prince of peace: Because sin separates man from God, Jesus came to bring peace between man and God. He died to reconcile sinners to a holy God.
Immanuel: This title literally means, “God with us.” Both Isaiah and Matthew affirm that the Christ who would be born in Bethlehem would be God Himself who came to earth in the form of man to live among His people.
Wonderful Counselor: The idea of counselor represents a wise king, thus indicating that He is able to guide His people perfectly in every way. The description of wonderful counselor represents that which is incomprehensible. More than we could ever imagine or hope for, Jesus came to gives us guidance spiritually – teaching us how to walk with God and giving us access to God. And He came to give us guidance practically – daily leading our mind, heart, and actions through the Spirit of God.
Jesus is “God with us.” He is wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and prince of peace. We worship Him, for His name is above all names.
“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
As we worship the majesty of Jesus and as we celebrate that the Christ has come, take a moment to truly embrace by faith the three names of our blessed Lord listed above: Prince of Peace, Immanuel, and Wonderful Counselor.
Prince of Peace
When you cannot find peace in and around you, realize that because of Jesus you have peace with God. You have been reconciled to God. The Bible reminds us that we were once enemies to God, but we have now been brought close. This defines true reconciliation! Because of the Prince of Peace, you can be at peace this very moment regardless of your present circumstances. For, God in Christ has accepted you. You are indeed His.
Immanuel
There are moments in life when loneliness and desperation can engulf our way of living. In such moments we may feel outnumbered or abandoned. We may feel as if our circumstances truly define us. But this is simply not true. God came to be with us. This is the meaning of Immanuel. He is here. For you! This proves you have infinite worth. This proves you are perfectly loved. Rest in the promise of “God with us.”
Wonderful Counselor
When the next step in life seems overwhelming, when confusion and chaos become the two-edged sword that attempts to pierce your faith, and when the light of the glory of Christ seem hidden by the busyness and clutter of daily surviving, realize that you have a wonderful counselor. He is “your” counselor. He came to give you the holy direction necessary to live in a broken world. His wonder transcends every human hope and every vain attempt at optimism. He truly came to be your guide, your wisdom, and your advocate. This is what a counselor does. He is for you. Never forget this.
So today, deeply embrace the majesty of Jesus. His name is above all names. And the specific names and titles of Christ demonstrate His glory, strength, and power. The names of Christ demonstrate His care for you. He is Here. Trust Him. Worship Him.
His name is above all names. This is Christmas! This is Jesus!
Blessings
READ
Read Philippians 2:5-11 and bow before Jesus Christ our Lord.