THE NAME OF JESUS
1Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. Acts 3:1-8 (NKJV)
The account of the healing of “a certain lame man” is one of the most inspirational miracles recorded in the book of Acts. This man received a gift far exceeding in value than silver or gold. Now made whole, he could enter the Temple and leap for joy, praising the God that healed him. We must never lose sight of the fact that Isaiah 53 not only tells us “that He was wounded for our transgressions” but also that “by His stripes we are healed.” We do not take issue with anyone who states that the phrase refers primarily to spiritual healing, but we will insist that it also is applicable to the healing of the body.
I. THERE IS HEALING IN THE NAME OF JESUS
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 (NKJV)
II. THERE IS SALVATION ONLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (HCSB)
III. THERE IS STRENGTH IN THE NAME OF JESUS
“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NKJV)
IV. THERE IS VICTORY IN THE NAME OF JESUS
"Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NIV)
Although you will not likely find W.C. Martin’s hymn “The Name of Jesus” in our modern day hymnals, the message it proclaims is one that every true child of God will rejoicingly echo.
The Name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat;
It makes my joys full and complete,
The precious Name of Jesus.
I love the Name of him whose heart
Knows all my griefs and bears a part;
Who bids all anxious fears depart—
I love the Name of Jesus.
No word of man can ever tell
How sweet the Name I love so well;
Oh, let its praises ever swell,
Oh, praise the Name of Jesus.
CHORUS:
"Jesus," oh how sweet the Name!
"Jesus," ev’ry day the same;
"Jesus," let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise for ever.
This closing thought, having considered W.C. Martin’s declaration, let us endeavor to follow the recommendation set forth in Lydia Baxter’s great hymn and “Take the Name of Jesus with You”. Dear friend, that is good advice. AMEN.
