What's In A Name?

  
Acts 3:1-5, 16, 4:12; Matthew 1:21

    The Name "Jesus" is not just an ordinary name.  It is a name that is to be revered.  When one hears the name "Jesus" one stops and thinks heavenly.  From the Old Testament perspective - the name Jesus means "Yahweh is Salvation".  From the New Testament perspective the name Jesus means "The Lord Saves".
    Matthew in his Gospel writing picked up on the prophecy found in Isaiah, chapter 7 verse 14, "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bear a son and they shall call his name Immanuel," which is translated "God with us".  The name Immanuel as declared in Isaiah according to theologians means the presence of God with his people in a way altogether new.  Now Jesus is going to walk among them and do signs and miracles. Then finally, He is going to dwell in them by the power of the Holy Spirit.
    WHAT'S IN A NAME?  There is power, deliverance, healing and salvation in the name of Jesus.  When you are down and out, or just don't know what to do, call on the name of Jesus and He will come to your rescue.  Jesus certainly will see you through.
    Remember it is all in a name, not just any name but the matchless name of Jesus.  There is something about the name of Jesus that makes a complete difference.  When you call on the name of Jesus a soothing feeling comes over you.

Take the name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe;
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then where'er you go.
Precious name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and Joy of Heaven;
Precious name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and Joy of Heaven.
TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU!

                    excerpt from the book "By the Foolishness of Preaching" by the Reverend Dr. Grace Ruth Batten, DD