The Name That Vindicates

December 3

(Psalm 135:13-14 NIV) “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. {14} For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.

(Romans 10:9-13 NIV)  "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. {11} As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." {12} For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, {13} for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.""

(Colossians 1:21-23 NIV)  "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. {22} But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- {23} if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."

Those who nailed Jesus to the cross probably thought that his name would disappear from recorded history, but His name endures forever. His renown is phenomenal. His name is still changing lives. It still brings joy, healing, salvation, and hope. But it is still one of the most divisive names in history. When it comes to the name Jesus Christ, no one is neutral. All over the world His name is loved and hated. Perhaps it is because only His name can bring vindication for eternity. Only His name can remove shame. Only His name can save us from hell. Thus, we are forced to decide. We must choose whether or not to allow His name to reconcile us to God. We must decide whether or not to call on His name and put our faith in Him. We will either confess His name… or we will end up cursing His name. What will it be for you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day