What’s in a Name?

September 26, 2022

Publisher’s Note

“…give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

As I watched with billions of other people from around the world the state funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, I heard many prayers said. They all ended with- “…in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” A sense of hope surged within me to know that, at this moment, when so many people looked to catch a glimpse of an earthly lord’s ceremonial departure from this world, the Name above all Names was being called upon- many times. This earthly Queen, whom we are told planned this service down to the smallest detail, chose to call upon the name of the Lord. At a time when we hear in the media that being a Christian is becoming a “minority,” and many people are choosing to leave the Christian faith, the Name above all Names(Philippians 2:9) was being proclaimed around the world.

I can clearly remember a very desperate time in my life when I “couldn’t fix” my situation. I had no answers and saw no clear way out. My mother said to me at the other end of the telephone in the middle of the night, “Just say his Name Laurie, call on his Name, Jesus. Just say it out loud. When the fear and anxiousness well up in you, call on the name of Jesus.” I hung up the phone, and whispered His name, “Jesus.” That night my circumstances didn’t change- in fact, they got worse, but when I called on God, when I chose to turn to Jesus for the answers, He answered in a way I could not imagine. A way far better than I could have ever known.

Today in moments of challenge and frustration, but also moments of joy, just stopping and saying the name of Jesus, calling on Him, brings me inner peace. What’s in a name? There is Power in the Name of Jesus, who offers each of us peace that passes all understanding and the amazing Gift of everlasting Life with Him! “…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21

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-Laurie Stroud Franklin