THAT WORTHY NAME
Jack Davis
“Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” James 2:7.
Who knows the true worth, the full value of our dear Lord’s lovely name? To us His name is one of beauty, value, and virtue. Often in scripture names are given to express ones nature, or the character of a person. In the many names and titles given to our dear Lord Jesus Christ, this three-fold ascription seems to encompass what He wants to be for us, to us, and in us. And possibly recognizable universally, and eternally.
There are many names by the which we are called, but none so worthy to be placed above us. What other, who else is so deserving of our highest praise, and our most humble acknowledgment? We are told to walk worthy of our vocation or calling – Eph. 4:1, and to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing – Col. 1:10. To walk worthy of God who hath called us unto His kingdom and glory – I Thess. 2:12, that we may utterly glorify Him. In II Thess. 1:11, Paul prayed that the saints might be counted worthy of this calling. To be counted worthy (of weight or worth; as an estimation formed by God, favorably carrying the strongest suggestion of grace).
HIS NAME EXALTED
God counted the man, Christ Jesus worthy of exceedingly more glory than any man on whom He ever, or ever will look – Heb. 3:3. He has exalted the name of His beloved Son, (Phil. 2:9-11) the bringer of many like sons unto glory, above all creation old and new – Rev. 4:11. He’ll be exalted by and above all the redeemed forever, for He has been their Redeemer – Rev. 5:8-9. No one else is worthy or has the right to bear the cross that He humbled Himself to such depths to carry. Who else could offer such a sacrifice, or fulfill the ministry, or perform the service that our beloved did and does? He excelled all. Those crown worthy, full overcomers will lead the universe in acknowledgment of His ultimate, uttermost worthiness.
HIS NAME IS EXCELLENT
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens” – Psa. 8:1. We may grasp in the Word, or the term translated “excellent” one who is ample, great, splendid, and powerful. It also speaks of one to be magnified as glorious, honorable.
Considering Psa. 8, 113, and 148 together, may we not sense our Lord’s excellence indicated and expressed in the way He reached down to lift up fallen humanity? Herein revealed the name that prevails, provides peace, as ointment poured forth. His name soothes the troubled irritated heart with healing balm. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” – Prov. 18:10. Oh, it is wonderful the way His name exudes power, and provides protection, but it has also provoked persecution. There are those yet today that blaspheme that worthy name by the which we are called. There is also the emanation of a holy perfume in the essence of His marvelous name.
Saul of Tarsus tried to promote blasphemy against that lovely name, of which he himself was guilty – I Tim. 1:13. He testified, “I verity thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” He told of shutting people up in prison, and testifying against them that they might be put to death, punished and compelled them to blaspheme – Acts 26:9-11. These were people that called upon and were called by that name. We are glad that God so gloriously turned this man around and made him a man that hazarded his life for the name of Christ – Acts 15:26, I Cor. 15:30. The one he so fervently persecuted, he was turned to fervently preach.
It was under this man Paul’s (changed from Saul) ministry, that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch – Acts 11:26. Many had suffered shame for the name of Christ in the years preceding Saul’s conversion, that is for being identified with Him – Acts 5:40-42. These anointed vessels suffering shame weren’t ashamed, but glorified God on this behalf – I Pet. 4:16. Shall we be any different? Oh Beloved Lord, help us be bold and not brash with our testimony.
To be continued
