Saturday, June 16, 2007
Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
IN DEFENSE OF . . . THE NAME OF CHRIST
We live in a world where "political correctness" has run amuck! It is permissible to curse and swear and use the foulest of language on the big screen without any apology, but if you suggest that someone's god is a figment of their imagination you will be crucified (not literally, but figuratively). It's politically correct to speak of the false religion of Islam as a peaceful religion (which it is not), while decrying Christianity as a militant religion (which it is not). As in the first century, so now Christians are being told that they can't talk about their faith, but it's perfectly ok for everyone else to trample the name of the Savior when hurt or angry, or when they have nothing else to say.
It goes against every fiber of our being as Christians (at least it should) to sit and listen to people trample on the name of our Savior Jesus, our Lord and brother. The name Jesus is beautiful because it serves to remind us of all that He has done. We can't help but speak up when co-workers or teammates find it necessary to throw around the name of Christ as if it were so much garbage. "Will you please refrain from speaking like that? Jesus Christ is important to me." God forgive me for the times I haven't spoken in defense of His name.
May God the Holy Spirit make us bold to stand in defense of the name of Jesus the Christ! He is the Lamb chosen by God to bear the sins of the world, mine and yours (and everyone else too). He is the one sacrifice that turns God's anger from us. He is the difference between eternal life and eternal death. God help us to set a good example by using every divine name with the utmost reverence.
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul
And to the weary, rest.
Dear name! The Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding place;
My never failing Treasury
Filled With boundless stores of grace.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 364:1-3)
