Today I invite you to think about the name of Jesus.

And how it has power.

Actual power.

A person’s name represents that person. Think of a royal messenger in the days of old. A herald would proclaim: “In the name of the King…” Everything that followed was as if the King himself was saying it. The words had royal force and legal power.

Jesus’ name is like that—but way beyond any earthly force.

Charles Spurgeon captures this well: “The name of Jesus Christ is hell’s terror, heaven’s delight, and earth’s hope.” Let’s think of each category he mentions in reverse order.

First, the name of Jesus is “earth’s hope.” In a world with much despair and destruction, his name is remedy and redemption.

Second, the name of Jesus is “heaven’s delight.” In heaven, it is a source of ongoing joy. He is there interceding for his people (Romans 8:34). One day in the future, there will be no need for the sun because Jesus himself will be creation’s light source (Revelation 21:23).

Third, the name of Jesus is “hell’s terror.” He makes demons flee. One example (of many) is found in Acts 16:18: “Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”

When children are scared and think something bad is happening in the dark, I tell them to say out loud, “I belong to Jesus Christ.” When I’m somewhere and I sense a demonic presence I say Philippians 2:11 out loud: “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

When we pray, we do it in the name of Jesus.
When we serve, we do it in the name of Jesus. 

The name of Jesus can fill us with both humility and courage at the same time. Be at peace, and live within the power of the name.

“The name of Jesus Christ is hell’s terror, heaven’s delight, and earth’s hope.”

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.