In my piece last week, I showed us how Jesus inherited a great name. Today, I will expound on how God bestowed on him a great name. Remember, men are either born to a great name, make their name great by achievements, or have great name conferred on them. The name Jesus came by all three means.
Speaking of himself, Jesus said, I and the Father are one(John10:30). Paul, too, in his missive to the church at Philippi, said, Who, being in the form of God (Phillipian2:6), meaning, He had equal status with God (Message) or being essentially one with God and in the form of God, possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God, God (Amplified).
Essentially Jesus is God. But … thought it not robbery to be equal with God (Philippians2:6). The word “robbery” originates from the Greek word “Harpagmos”, connoting the act of seizing, to deem anything a prize, to be held fast or retained.
Rephrased, the above verse reads He did not think his equality with God or prerogatives/entitlements as God was something to hold fast to or retained.”
Rather He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Phillipians 2:7), meaning he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human (Message).
The ensuing verse declares, Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).
Death on the Cross is a shameful death, reserved for people God had cursed. Jesus had equal status with God, but in order for him to save humanity from condemnation took upon him flesh, and yielded to the predetermined counsel of God, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. And because of his obedience, he rectified the glitch brought upon humanity by Adam… Through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous (Romans 5:19).
Scriptures declare, because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honoured him far beyond anyone or anything (Phillipian2:9). King James rendition, says, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.
God bestowed on Jesus a great name because of his obedience — that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things (beings) in heaven, and things (beings) in earth, and things (beings) under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).
His obedience freed humanity from condemnation and ushered in righteousness or ability to stand in the presence of God without a sense of guilt or inferiority. Remember, this was what Adam could not do, and Adam’s disobedience brought condemnation upon humanity.
Irrespective of how men acquire their greatness, their names are only recognized and operational or effective in this world. But the name of Jesus, the more excellent name, is recognised and operational or effective in three worlds.
The name of Jesus is operational in heaven. It is recognised on earth by men and beneath the earth. Demons and evil spirits tremble at the mention of that name. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!!
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe.
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