His name is wonderful
August 31, 2009 (Monday)
Peter concluded his sermon by declaring, “God has made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” (Acts 2:36). With one great sentence, Peter gave us three names we use today in referring to our Savior: Jesus, Lord, Christ.
His name is “Jesus.” The name was given to him before he was born. When the angel announced his conception in a human womb, he declared, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” Jesus was Yeshua in Hebrew, translated “Joshua” in our English Bibles. Other men of that day had the same name, just as many today are named, “Jesus” (a Spanish word, pronounced, “Hay-soos”). Jesus identified with humanity by becoming one of us. He got under the load of sin with us, although he committed no sin. Instead, he shed real blood on a cruel Roman cross, miraculously paying the price for our sins and making our salvation possible.
His name is “Lord.” Many times we refer to “the Lord” in our conversations about him. “The Lord hears and answers prayer,” we sometimes say. “The Lord helped me through that experience,” we testify. It is a powerful name, meaning that he is totally in charge of us. He is our “boss,” our “master.” What he says, goes. He elicits our full devotion to him as our Lord.
His name is “Christ.” In the original Greek, the word is “Christos.” It is a word used to describe the Messiah, who is our spiritual deliverer. Oppressed people always long for a messiah, someone to come and undo the injustices and give them victory over their oppressors. The Lord Jesus Christ does that for us, by saving our souls, and giving us eternal life. His daily presence gives us daily victory over spiritual enemies.
Repeating the message of Acts 2:36: “Let everyone know that Jesus is both Lord and Christ!”