The Names Of Our Savior

Biblical names have special meanings. For obvious reasons, Adam means, "taken from the ground," or "red earth." Enoch, the man who walked with God and was no more, has a name that implies, "dedicated." Abraham had his name changed to mean, "father of (faithful) multitudes." His beautiful wife Sarah’s name meant, "princess." It seems Jacob’s name rightly implied, "supplanter." Moses’ name meant, "drawn out (of water)." Samuel meant, "God has heard." Peter was, "the small stone." Paul means small.

But the names of our Lord are especially meaningful. The Psalmist states this fact prophetically in this way, "His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed." (Psalm 72:17) His many names give us wonderful clues to His attributes and character. To Abraham and Moses He was the great, "I AM." He was "The Passover Lamb" to Moses as well. He was the Good Shepherd to David. Solomon knew Him as "The Rose of Sharon." Job called Him "The Kinsman Redeemer." Isaiah knew Him as "The Rock" in a weary land. To Jeremiah, He was, "The Lord, our Righteousness."

The prophet Isaiah is inspired to really rise to the ultimate heights of poetry when he gives his prophecy of the coming Messiah. He looks down the telescope of prophecy and sees 700 years and more into the future. He sees a crib, "...unto us a child is born." He sees a cross. " . .unto us a Son is given." He sees a crown. " .. and the government shall be upon His shoulders." A Child is to be born. He will ultimately save His people from their sins. What shall His Names be?

HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL. Isn’t Wonderful a wonderfully descriptive name? Much has been written about the eight marvels or wonders of this world, but none could begin to compare with the Wonderful One! I think the old children’s chorus catches the sense of it quite well: "Isn’t he Wonderful, Wonderful, Isn’t Jesus my Lord, Wonderful! Eyes have seen, ears have heard, ’Tis recorded in God’s Word, Isn’t Jesus my Lord Wonderful!"

He was wonderful in His birth. He is the only begotten Son of the Father. He is the only Child born divinely. His is the only authentic Virgin Birth in the history of the universe. He is the only Child born without sin. Man may proudly experiment with the possibility of human cloning. He may boastingly speak of creating life in a test tube. But his dalliance with such genetic manipulations and biological aberrations is merely moral rebellion against his Creator God. Such perversities will never eliminate man’s Adamic nature or negate his moral accountability to his creator.

Our wonderful Saviour remains the only One born without sin. "Who did not sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." (I Peter 2:22) He is thus the only One born to die as a substitute for the sins of others. His sinless and substitutionary sacrifice was the focus of all the types, shadows and figures of the Old Testament and the theme of much of its prophecy. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isa. 53:6)