…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.  Philippians 2:10

The follower of Jesus is going to run into opposition–ever increasing opposition when we speak His name.  Here are two reasons why.

First, Jesus is controversial and confrontational because Jesus is exclusive.  The name of Jesus means savior and a savior is only a savior if there are those who need saving.  Jesus, savior, means that I am a sinner.  Even more offensive is the fact that Jesus claims that He is not A savior, but THE savior.  “…There is salvation in no one else,” Scripture declares, “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only way to God.

Second, we’ll be opposed when we speak His name because His name has power.  This power comes from God, the Father. The Bible says, “[Jesus] is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come (Ephesians 1:21). His power is over everything, whether visible or invisible (Colossians 1).  There are people and powers that don’t want you to speak His Name; Jesus told his followers, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Luke 29:16).

Jesus-follower, the next time eyebrows raise, or you’re mocked outright for speaking His name, remind yourself who is really being opposed and why.

 

Resource reading: Colossians 1:15-20