The Names Of Our Savior

A WONDERFUL SAVIOUR

Isaiah 9:6-7 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

"What’s in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell the same?’ There is something very special about names. People have been known to give their children some very peculiar names; especially after great calamities or earth shaking events. I am sure we have all heard of such people as, "Calamity Jane." Pity the thousands of poor children that have already been given the name of the infamous Osama Bin Laden by his militant admirers. Wise and prudent parents often spend many hours to insure their child receives a proper name reflecting his heritage. A name hat will not be an embarrassment or handicap to him. Some are not as concerned or careful. Remember the popular song, "A Boy Named Sue?"

Names are important. Solomon said, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." Of course, he is speaking of the good name one might earn or the reputation one might lose. But people do not always live up to the expectations of a good name. Even the status and name of "citizen" can be abused and betrayed. Americans and Australians certainly have a right to feel angry and disgusted that some of their own who called themselves citizens became turncoats and betrayed their sacred trust as good citizens. Many would feel they no longer have a right to that title.

In these trying and terrible times of treachery and treason, people have to earn their good names and constantly strive to maintain them. Character assassins are still alive and well on planet earth. They seem to be busy on every street corner. But in spite of the implications of recent events in the world of politics, character still counts and a good name is still more valuable than gold. Is it any wonder someone said, "You can attack me, my family and my friends, but please spare my good name." Christians who are prone to have loose and wagging tongues should remember that one careless word spoken or unfounded rumor repeated can destroy in a moment a good reputation that has been years in the making.

It is significant that the story of the birth of our Saviour informs us that God gave His Son a very special name even before He was born. The angel of the Lord said to Joseph: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matt. 1:21-23) The angel not only reveals our Saviour His primary name at this time, but He also makes reference to one of the many prophetic names that had been and are His in eternity (See Isa. 7:14)

That the names of our Saviour are all wonderful, there can be no doubt. And is there any wonder that such a wonderful Saviour deserves such wonderful names? He is truly very God and man. (John1:14) He is the complete embodiment of the Godhead. (Col. 2:9) He deserves all the honor and glory of such meaningful names. He is everything. In Him we are to live and breath and have our very being. He is the only way, truth and life. (John 14:6) His name is the only source of salvation. (Acts 4:12) The prophets made it clear that His name is the only source of the remission of sin and reconciliation to God. (Acts 4:12) It is His mighty name that will eventually bring every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that He is the Lord of this universe. (Phil. 2:9-10)

Dr. Walter Maier once asked the question, "What if all the real Christians in the world would just cut themselves off from the world for twenty-four hours and study the marvelous story of Jesus and His love?" It is said that Handel did this in writing the "Messiah." His friends and contemporaries testified that he was never the same again. Afterwards, when he spoke of His Saviour and his experience, tears would stream down his face. He never wrote secular music again. As he finished the lines of his famous "Hallelujah Chorus," he cried, "I think I did see all of heaven before me and the great God Himself." The name of Jesus meant something very special to him.