Today I have some thoughts for you around the issue of the name of Jesus. Before I was in the ministry I worked for many years in the business world. I worked for one of the top accounting firms in the world and one of the largest banks in the world, in their Investment banking division. During that time another one of the large accounting firms was embroiled in a scandal which ruined their reputation and their brand name and the entire business collapsed because of it.
In the business world you quickly learn that your name, your reputation, integrity and keeping your word have tremendous value. Establishing trust with people is paramount. A good name has massive value when doing business. Deals are made or broken on reputation. People need to be able to trust you! The great preacher Charles Spurgeon said “A good name is better than a girdle of gold, and when that is gone, what has a man left?”
Now let me say at this point, there is no person in this Universe with a greater name and reputation than Jesus. He said in Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe. In my name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all, they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Nowhere in this Universe will you find a name with greater authority, weight and credibility than the name of Jesus. As we have traveled the world, in the name of Jesus we have seen demons and sickness flee, the chains of addiction and sin broken; lives transformed and changed. The name of Jesus represents his reputation. Jesus has lent us his reputation, by allowing us to minister in His name. He backs up His name with His power!
It’s always very humbling and such a great honor in the ministry going out into all the world, preaching the gospel and knowing we are representatives of Jesus Himself. None of us are perfect, we are all works in progress, we are forgiven of our sins, saved by grace and covered by His precious blood. Nevertheless, God has entrusted us with His impeccable reputation and name.
He has made us righteous, holy and blameless before God because of his finished work on the Cross. I have had many people tell me they worn’t accept Christ because of what they have seen Christians do. The reputation and life of Christians may not be perfect, but the work and reputation of Jesus remains flawless. I try to tell people ‘don’t let anyone or anything put you off Jesus’ and many times they respond purely because of Him alone. His name remains matchless, his reputation flawless. Be assured He is with you and for you today!
