Jesu Juva
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 1
JESUS
Do you love the name, Jesus? When you hear it or say it does it change your outlook for the moment? Do you love His name?
When you sing songs in church, or when you are listening to Christian music do you want to sing His name even if you miss all the other words in the song? There is power and majesty in His name.
Our devotion for today is a survey of some Bible characters who knew Jesus by name and by heart. Some knew Him as the pre-incarnate Christ (before He lived on earth). Some knew Him as converted followers after the ascension. Another knew Him and served during His earthly ministry. But each one knew Him and loved Him as Jesus, Lord and Savior. (By the way, it was Joanna who knew the Lord Jesus during His ministry. Read her story in Luke 8, Luke 23 and Luke 24).
Please read the scripture references. There is so much to learn every time we read God’s Word. You will find a deeper devotion to Jesus, when you obediently follow Him through His Book.
NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES
Abraham. A friend of God James 2:23. The Bible says in John 8:56 that Abraham rejoiced because He saw the Lord, Jesus in His day. Abraham was the first life recorded in the Bible that was made righteous by faith. God allowed Abraham to see Christ in His coming work on earth and as our victor when we are all in heaven. He also recognized the Lord in chapter 18 (and earlier chapters of Genesis). Abraham recognized himself as a sinner. He knew the Name Above All Names, by faith. You see, the grace of God never changes. The way we come to Him as always been by faith, not our goodness. We have none to give.
Jehovah is the Hebrew word which we call Lord. When you see it used in scripture in reference to the Angel of the Lord, it is Christ. This word is only applied to God.
BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR
Hagar. A lowly servant. Mother to Abraham’s son, Ishmael. Hagar knew Jesus. She was yet another Bible character that loved His name. She called Him El Roi. The God Who sees me. Hagar trusted by faith.
Read the Bible story, first. Then click the next link for a great article that explains how Hagar met Jesus.
Christ appears in verse 13 and Gen. 18:17.
GLORIOUS LORD
Paul. “Pharisee of the Pharisees”, Acts 23:6 and this is by Paul’s own admission. But Paul, who considered himself the worst among sinners 1 Timothy 1:15, because of his persecution of Jesus through the Church, would find grace and redemption through his Glorious Lord. Paul met the Savior in a unique way. Acts 9:5 “I AM Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Read the story. Even if you have read it or heard it before, try reading it again. Can you relate to any of Paul’s conversion? Humility would be my first thought. God has humbled every believer.
Acts 9
Got Questions Article gotquestions.org/paul
Below is a review of three women that we previously surveyed on Friday, March 22. I hope that you have found time to read the passages that were provided. See if you can find more Bible characters that have inspired you. I would like to encourage you to share some of your favorite characters with me and tell me what inspires you about their life. Did they know the Lord while He walked on earth, or was their faith strengthened by simple trust, without having seen Him?
EMMANUEL / GOD IS WITH US
Phoebe. Romans 16:1-2
BLESSED REDEEMER
Chloe. 1 Corinthians 1:1-11
LIVING WORD
Joanna. Luke 8:2-3
Psalm 138:2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
For your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.2
Soli Deo Gloria!
Resources
-by Naida Heard
Unless otherwise cited, all scripture is from:
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 