Keys to the Kingdom
My Mom had planned to name my older brother, “Robert Randall,” and then call him “Bobby.” Well, the delivery room in 1947 was a lot different from today‘s hospital. The birthing process was what we now call, “knock ’em out and drag ‘em out.” Shortly after the baby was born, the nurse asked Mom for his name so she could complete the necessary forms. Mom was so discombobulated that she replied, “Randall Robert” which was exactly backwards. When she read the birth certificate information later in her room, she realized the name wasn’t right. However, she didn’t want to be a bother, so she just let it go. Therefore, she had to switch her preference and call her newborn “Randy.” This is one of the most bizarre family stories I’ve ever heard! My brother lived his entire life being called the wrong name because our mother was such a sweet and peace-loving lady.
The name parents choose for their child is important because names have meanings. God made sure that the Son of God would have the most-appropriate name, so He gave these specific instructions to Mary through the angel Gabriel: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31,32 NLT).
When Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married, while still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Joseph considered breaking the engagement, an angel appeared to him in a dream and said: “…Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus (meaning The Lord saves)…“ (Matthew 1:20,21 NLT). Both Mary and Joseph were separately told by angels that this child was to be given the name of Jesus. There was to be no confusion, mistakes, guessing, or doubts that the Messiah’s name was to be Jesus.
Salvation through Christ alone is one of the main themes of the New Testament. “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 NLT). Jesus is the only way to God, salvation, and eternal life. In the book of Acts, the apostles were busy loving and helping people by using the name of Jesus to pray for them.
There are many other titles in the Bible that are given to Jesus. Here are just a few KJV references: Advocate (1 John 2:1), Author and Finisher of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2), Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), First and Last (Revelation 1:17), Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), Light of the World (John 8:12), Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Truth (John 1:14).
Jesus’ name is so powerful, He instructs believers to pray to the Father in His name. “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!” (John 14:13,14 NLT). Jesus gave believers the “Power of Attorney” to use His name for every situation we will ever face.
The Key: Don’t answer any questions while coming out from under anesthesia.