The Life-changing Power Of His Name

His name will be the hope of all the world.

Matthew 12:21

I love to discover the meaning of someone’s name, because that name often reflects the person’s character or destiny. With all the baby-naming books parents buy when a little one is on the way, the meaning of most names is easy to find. However, my husband’s name is Holmes, in memory of an uncle who died in World War II. His family didn’t know the meaning, and I had always wondered about it until the day I met a research director at one of the country’s best public libraries. She was kind enough to search in several different books and databases and later called me back with the news. Holmes means “safe haven,” a “dweller near a tree with roots going into the river,” which brought to mind Psalm 1. From that day on I began praying that psalm for Holmes, and I still do today.

As interesting as our names are, there is one name that is of utmost importance. It is Jesus—the hope of all the world, as we read in today’s verse. One day, at the sound of this name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord, for his name—Immanuel—is above every name. He is the Living Word. The Prince of Peace. Our Refuge. The God of Our Salvation. The Promised One who saves us from our sins. In his name, prayers are heard and answered. Lives are healed. In his name there is dynamic, life-changing power. And these are not just theories or nice thoughts, but some of the Father’s most marvelous promises. Whatever burdens or sins are weighing you down, Christ came to save you, to free you, to redeem you, regardless of how deep a pit you are in. And not only that, but he desires to demonstrate his gracious love and faithfulness to you, right where you are today.

Lord Jesus, I glorify your name, for it is a strong tower, a shelter, and the hope of all the earth. Help me to focus on the wonder of your name and who you are, not on how big my struggles and trials are.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

John Newton(1725–1807), English clergyman and former slave-ship captain turned abolitionist