Greetings in Christ,
The name of Jesus has been used in many ways, and referred to in many ways since He has been on earth. Many have used His name in a slang version as they speak. This use of slang denotes the unbelief in which He was and is, and they choose to seek their own wisdom in the understanding of who Jesus was and is. This personal wisdom leads people to a finite view of true wisdom which does not reveal who Jesus really is limiting what they can grasp and/or see.
Jesus had encountered this problem with a group of Jewish people who could not get past their own thinking. They knew Jesus as the son of Joseph and Mary, He had brothers and sisters, and He lived among them as a child. How could they believe Him when He declares Himself the Son of God? They relied on their own thinking which led them to believe they knew all about Him, and they formed an opinion He was crazy and delusional. They saw Him as an ordinary man who thought He was claiming something which He was not. Their lack of true wisdom and understanding led them to turn their backs on Him, and to use His name in a derogatory manner thinking His was a lunatic.
The denial of who He was and is continues today along with the forsaking of His name. We hear it spoken in ways which turn our hearts and grieve our soul. To hear His name used as slang, or to be used as a curse brings tears to those who know Him personally, and if He were here today, He would say it has to be this way. He would say people either love Him or hate Him there is no in-between. Can the name of Jesus be proclaimed in the right manner today and in the future? The simple answer is yes.
Paul writes to the Colossians asking them to not lose sight of Jesus. Paul is reminding them they have been chosen by God, and put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other. Now this is a tall order for the people to grasp, but Paul goes on to say just as the Lord forgave you, so you should also forgive them. Paul wanted them to remember the words of Jesus, and to seek His wisdom and understanding.
Paul wanted them to understand what he had found in Jesus. Paul understood Jesus came to earth to impart His wisdom and understanding to the people so they could see beyond their own finite wisdom and see the heavenly kingdom which exists for all to inherit. Paul wanted them to understand Jesus was chosen by God to come to earth and give His life for all to have the opportunity to receive God’s inheritance.
Solomon writes to his son in Proverbs asking him to seek wisdom and understanding, and by seeking his son would find God’s true wisdom, and for him to treat it like it was silver—a precious commodity. It is in this wisdom and understanding his son would find a shield from evil and to guide his path in righteousness. This wisdom and understanding will help him use discretion so he would be aware of those who were speak perverse things, and keep him from walking in the path of evil.
Paul writes more to the Colossians asking the people to do everything in the name of Jesus giving praise to His name, and thanks through Him to God the Father. Paul wanted them to know they had to seek wisdom and understanding before they could do things in the name of Jesus. They first had to get a full picture of what Jesus was all about before they proclaimed any action in His name; otherwise the true understanding of His name might be misunderstood.
The name of Jesus has been proclaimed in many ways since He has been of earth. It is a powerful name which cannot be matched by any other name. It is a name which can lead the blind, heal the sick, and restore those who stumble to walk upright again. It is a name by which those who choose to believe in it can gain true wisdom and understanding which provides a shield from evil leading them to eternal life. It is a name worthy to be proclaimed by the righteous people He leads.
“The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:14-21
Lord may we proclaim Your name boldly and give You the praise for what You do through us. Amen
Blessings,