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"Humbled for a season, to receive a name From the lips of sinners unto whom He came, Faithfully He bore it spotless to the last, Brought it back victorious when from death He passed.
Bore it up triumphant with its human light, Through all ranks of creatures to the central height, To the throne of Godhead, to the Father's breast, Filled it with the glory of that perfect rest."
("At the Name of Jesus," which is number 512 in the Lutheran Service Book by Caroline M. Noel)
Many people want to make a name for themselves. Politicians, athletes, and entertainers must be well-known in order to achieve wealth and success. They use social media and put their names on posters and products in their quest to be recognized, but one of the most famous names of all time belongs to Someone who did not actively seek that kind of fame. The Name of Jesus is known and recognized even by many people who do not believe in Him.
Before He was born in Bethlehem, the Son of God was described by prophetic names that gave hints about His identity and the work He would do. The prophet Isaiah called Him Emmanuel, which means "God with us." (see Isaiah 7:14). Jeremiah described Him as a Branch of King David's family tree and named Him "The LORD is our Righteousness," (Isaiah 23:6 ESV), the Lord who would clothe us in His righteousness. David called His divine descendant the Lord's Anointed, the one sent by God for a special purpose (see Psalms 2). When the Son of God was born on earth He received the Name Jesus, the Name given by God and announced by angels to Mary and Joseph before the holy Child was born (See Luke 1:30).
Jesus became well known to the crowds because of His teaching and healing, but He did not seek earthly glory. Even though He was and is God, Jesus did not make His Name great by chasing after fame. Jesus' Name became great because He "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7 ESV). The Name Jesus means "God saves" and the Savior fulfilled the purpose of His name. The innocent Son of God faithfully bore His Name "spotless to the last" as He died to atone for the sins of the world. His sacred Name was posted on His cross: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." (John 19:19 ESV)
Jesus brought His Name "back victorious" when He rose from the dead and ascended in triumph to reign in glory at the right hand of God. He still has that wonderful Name, "the Name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9b ESV). As followers of Jesus, we represent His Name in the world. We do not seek earthly glory, but as His witnesses we give ourselves in service to others, as He did. What kind of name will we make for ourselves—and for Him?
We Pray: Jesus, I love Your holy Name, the Name by which we are saved. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler. It is based on the hymn, "At the Name of Jesus," which is number 512 in the Lutheran Service Book.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on November 10, 2024
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights
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