Speak the Name of Jesus

Speak the Name of Jesus

In considering what it means to speak the Name of Jesus, let’s begin with part of the lyrics of a worship song entitled “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle.

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there’s peace within Your presence.
I speak Jesus.

Your name is power,
Your name is healing,
Your name is life.
Break every stronghold,
Shine through the shadows,
Burn like a fire.

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety,
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus.

What happens when we speak the name of Jesus? In Philippians 2:9-10, the Bible tells us there is power in the name of Jesus. This scripture says that the name of Jesus is above anything that we can name! By saying it is “above” we mean that it has authority over! This would include every noun in our dictionary – in every language known to man! Over the earth, on the earth, under the earth. If you can put a name to it, then the name of Jesus has power over it.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on the earth, and things under the earth….” Philippians 2:9-10

The name of Jesus is above the name of any sickness, disease, or circumstance. Whatever has a name must give way to the name of Jesus, no matter where it may come from: heaven, earth or hell…even when it seems I must face something impossible.

You may be asking, “Just how does one bring that power into their situation?” The answer is quite simple really. By speaking the Name of Jesus out loud into it. Sound waves vibrate on the atmosphere around us, and speaking His Name very literally brings the power of it into any situation. When Jesus is with us, He becomes both strength and hiding place, and He changes things.

The power of His name lives within us by the Holy Spirit. Where we walk, we take the power of the Name. The realm of spiritual darkness recognizes the Name and Presence of Jesus in us when we walk into a room. Remember how the demons always cried out in fear when Jesus appeared on the scene? Scripture tells us that the demons recognize His Name that we carry, and they tremble in fear, because they recognize the power in it even more than we do! We are literally spiritual terrorists, and they never know what to expect from us!!

Names have meaning and convey different messages to people. We’ll talk more about that topic in another blog. But for now, consider this: Names reveal identity and point toward purpose. The name of Jesus points to His identity and purpose: Son of God, our Redeemer who came to bring us Salvation. Believers were thought to be first known as Christians in Antioch – meaning Christ Followers, giving us identity through Him. Throughout the Bible, Jesus is known by many names that describe his various roles: Immanuel (Matthew 1:23); Lamb of God (John 1:29); Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13); the Bread of Life (John 6:35); and many others.

For widows, there are things about the significance of a name that we must take hold of. Many women who have lost a spouse have an extremely difficult time with the very word “widow”. They don’t want to be called a widow, or known as a widow. It’s so important for us to realize that this does not describe our identity! Our identity is in Christ and all that He is. The word “widow” merely describes a season of life, indicating to others that we have been married, and our spouse is now gone. However, the word itself brings to mind images of gloom, sad faces, loneliness, and black clothing! What can we do about that?

Well, do you remember that God is in the business of changing names? We’re given many examples in the Scriptures of people who had their name changed, including Abraham and Sarah! Why not speak the Name of Jesus into your marital status as a widow and ask Him to change your name? Ask Him what your new name should be. Will you maybe become “joyful one” rather than “sorrowing one”? Will you be “one who walks in Light” rather than “one who walks in shadow”?

I was once privileged to be part of a naming ceremony for a baby of some Native American friends. At this ceremony, a baby is given a tribal name that depicts something of what they expect his character will be. As he grows older, on some occasions, that name can be changed to reflect an outstanding accomplishment or brave deed that he has done.

As you speak the name of Jesus into your situation, watch Him change you from the inside out. Watch how He changes your circumstances and how He molds you into His likeness. What will He call you that reflects His character in you and the courageous deeds you will accomplish in this season?

As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome here or you can email me at sheryl@freshhope.us. If you’re looking for a new purpose and a pathway to move ahead, please consider joining one of our Refocusing Widows groups, either in person or online. You can register at www.refocusingwidows.org/Groups. We look forward to meeting you!