What is different about this name?

Did you know that there is one word so powerful that no newspaper, magazine or book editor will publish it? Not in the secular western media, anyway. It’s surprising, because they actually publish nearly everything and they certainly don’t mind shocking people because if something shocks the reader, often that gains publicity and sales.
But there is something they are afraid to publish and that is the name Jesus. It’s not because they are avoiding religion. They will print the name God without a problem. They don’t have a problem with the word church or even Christ. But if you look, you will rarely find Jesus in a serious article; only if the purpose is to mock or attack. If they need to refer to Jesus in a normal article, then they prefer a word like Christ. Now there is no such problem about the name of any other religious figure, such as Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, Krishna or any other you can think of. Why is the name Jesus so different?

I don’t think it’s just anti-Christian prejudice (although that exists). The reason is much simpler. The name Jesus has to be avoided as much as possible because it makes the readers feel uncomfortable. No other name has such a powerful impact. Have you ever wondered why?

It is by far the most powerful name in the whole world and people feel the power of it. It is a feeling they don’t like, although they can’t explain it, which is why the newspapers have to avoid it.

There is a reason for this phenomenon, and it is explained in today’s verse: the name of Jesus is the name which is above every other name. It’s not just his name which is powerful- Jesus is hugely powerful. God has exalted him to the highest place. At the name of Jesus every knee will bow. In fact the Bible says that Jesus will be the judge before whom every one of us will stand at the end of our days (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The main reason why people feel uncomfortable with the name of Jesus is because somewhere deep in their subconscious, in their spirit, they know that one day they will face Jesus in judgment and of course that is frightening.

Praise God, Jesus also has the power and the desire to reconcile us to God. He can do that because He, the judge, has actually willingly taken the judgment for us in love! As it says in 1 John 4: 17-18: we will have confidence on the day of judgment because in this world we are like him (Jesus) and there is no fear in love. But (his) perfect love drives out fear.

So let us be encouraged! The Lord Jesus is unique and the fact that editors are afraid to use His name is just confirmation that His name is above any other name. We have the privilege of being His. We are even called by His name! And we have been given the most extraordinary privilege of using the name of Jesus. He invites us to pray in His name.
Let us use the most powerful name in the world often, and pray to Him and get to know Him who loves us. Amazing! He loves us!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise You because You are the Lord of all! Thank You so much for loving me and for giving me the privilege of using Your extraordinary name. Amen.