What A Powerful Name
What A Powerful Name
For a few days, there was an urgent desire in me to see the face of Jesus. The desire kept building and finally I searched for the name of the young girl that had famously painted Jesus’ face at a very early age.
The first time this young girl painted Jesus she was eight-years-old. The picture is startlingly detailed and profoundly realistic. The second time she painted it she was 19 and again what a spectacular picture of Jesus. Her name is Akaine Kramarik. She is an American poet and artist. She is a former child prodigy; her childhood paintings of Jesus Christ, along with other pieces, gained international attention. She began drawing at the age of four.
I was fascinated by her story and in awe of her work!
As I was considering the incredible pictures I had a sense that the Lord spoke so softly to my heart. “My face doesn’t have power, my Name does.” It is my Name that has the power to defeat the enemy of your heart. It is in WHO I am that has the power to conquer that which desires to destroy you. It is My love that sets you free from sin and death. It heals the broken places of your heart. It is upon my character that you can trust and depend.
When we consider things that give us great passion, the movies are full of them. Like Gladiator, Braveheart, Wonder Woman, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Personally: I love Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia. He brings truths that bring hope, lessons of forgiveness, knowledge of a price to be paid, and victory to be won. As inspiring as these movies are they cannot defeat the enemy of our hearts.
They carry power to encourage and inspire but not the ability to overcome. The same is true about stories regarding Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. They inspire, encourage, even bring truth and a glimpse of who Jesus was and why He was here. But they do not have the power to overcome Satan. The stories bring knowledge but it is Jesus Himself that has power.
I have many times in my life needed a power greater than myself to help me in times of great trials or sorrow. Others can and have encouraged me. But, it is when I speak the name of Jesus that my eyes rise above the challenge to look to the one who empowers me to overcome.
This doesn’t mean the circumstance disappeared. But, it does mean that the enemy of my heart is no longer in control. Whether it was pride, fear, anger, condemnation, or temptation trying to control my response, they lose their grip when I bring Jesus front and center in my heart and mind.
There is one and only one who has all authority and it is at the mention of His name that every prince and power of darkness must bow. It is Jesus whose name and authority is above all.
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:9-11 about the name of Jesus. Listen to what Paul says:
“For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11 AMP
In Matthew, Jesus gives clarity as to authority given to Him from God: This is what Jesus says:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Matthew 28:18 NIV
This is power, not just inspiration or encouragement but absolute power.
There is a song that expresses the essence of what we’re talking about. “What A Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship.
Here are some key verses:
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ …
You didn’t want heaven without us
So Jesus You brought heaven down
My sin was great Your love was greater
What could separate us now? …
Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring
The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again…
You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom
Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name above all names
What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus …
God is not interested in just inspiring us to do His will. He is interested in empowering us to be in a relationship with Him. God is interested in an eternity with us healthy and whole in body mind and spirit. He desires that we get to know Him so well that we will become a reflection of Him to those around us.
But, we live in a world at war and God wanted to be sure we had the tools we needed to get up when down, move when frozen by fear, be strong when challenged by circumstances, re-fired when tired of being strong, love, even when we feel empty, give when we think we have nothing of value left to give. It is at this point that God steps in and gives us all we need to go on, to succeed, to get up, to give out, to love more.
We have the freedom to choose to look up and become better, stronger, and freer because of the Name of Jesus.
