Dare to call the name of Jesus

Over the last few days, I have contemplated a song called ‘I speak Jesus.’ You can listen to it https://youtu.be/FpGYImM_VeM for context. It is a lovely song that speaks about declaring the name of Jesus in your circumstances. It is a powerful song, and I love to sing it in church. Recently, a person I highly respect for her opinion criticized the lyrics. She was frustrated with the simplicity of the statement; how can just the mere calling of the name of Jesus do or change anything? That got me thinking and searching the Bible for clarification. I understand that, at times, songwriters use poetic freedom to write their songs. In the case of this song, I assume calling the Name of Jesus translates into praying and declaring. So, what does the Bible say about asking for something in the Name of Jesus? What does the Bible say about declaring something in the Name of Jesus? Is it a Biblical concept or a manmade construct to help make a song popular?

To tell the truth, if you have ever read the New Testament, you know numerous scriptures support the idea of asking for something in the Name of Jesus. Here are some well-known ones:

• Matthew 18:18-20 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

• John 14:13 & 14 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

• John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

• Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

In these examples from scripture, we see a clear encouragement to ask and declare in the name of Jesus what you need. Obviously, it needs to align with the Father’s will; otherwise, it is just wishful thinking.

I wonder why we are not bold in our declarations and requests. Jesus said in John 16:24 ask, and you will receive. We have become timid, or maybe it sounds too simple. Just like my friend’s comment regarding the song. How can simply declaring the name of Jesus for my family, friends, or neighbourhood make any difference?

I do believe we have forgotten the power in the name of Jesus. We hear the Name of Jesus being banded around as a swear word, and this Name, above all names, has become common in our thoughts. Have you asked yourself the question why people use the Name of Jesus as a swear word? Why do they not use any other name or the name of another religion, like Buddha or Mohammed? The reason is that there is power in the Name of Jesus.

Jesus is not just another name. However, some cultures love to give the name Jesus to their children, and there is nothing more special about those children than any other child. So, it is not just the name but who it belongs to. Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords is not just a mere human, but the Son of God, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counsellor, Saviour of the world. There is nothing simple about calling the Name of Jesus in difficult situations.

In Acts 3, we read about Peter and John and their answer to the beggar at the temple. They answered honestly, “Silver and gold we have not, but what we do have, we give to you.” Peter and John had a revelation about Jesus and His power, which is now available to them as humans. “In the name of Jesus, get up and walk.” The beauty of the story is that it seems as if there is no pause or discussion about what they need to do. They did not discuss their approach or the correct way to pray. As easy as taking a coin from their purse, they declared Jesus and His healing to this beggar. Like breathing out and breathing in, it was that simple.

Let me challenge you today. Dare to speak the Name of Jesus into your circumstance. Dare to trust that Jesus will and does honour His promises, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name.” Let us stop being timid in our walk with the Lord.

I final reminder from the Apostle Paul; For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through Him, the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 1:20)

Amen