The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
July 11, 2004
In
This Issue:
Do
You Know His Name?
by
Steve Klein
Those
Golden Moments
by
Gilbert Alexander
Do You Know His Name?
Are you good with names? I'm not. Frequently, I find it hard to remember someone's name five minutes after being introduced. Eventually (after meeting a person half a dozen times or so), I catch on. This is frustrating because it's hard to form much of a relationship with a person when you cannot even recall his name. Knowing a person's name is usually just the first step to really getting to know the person himself.
On the other hand, I can call the names of many people that I don't really know and have never even met. Perhaps I've heard others talk about them or I've read something that they've written, but I don't know them. Some of these people I would not recognize if I saw them on the street. The point is that there is much more to knowing a person than just being able to call his name or match the name to his physical features. A person's name represents the entire person. In one sense, there is a big difference between being able to call a person's name and truly knowing their name. When I hear the name of someone I know well, my mind can recall not only the physical identity of that person, but also all that I know and feel about who they are and what they mean to me.
The Lord's name represents Him. This is evident in many passages of Scripture. For instance, in Hebrews 6:10 the Hebrew Christians were commended for the "labor of love which you have shown toward His name." Obviously, they had demonstrated love toward Christ Himself. In other examples we find that Saul of Tarsus taught things "contrary to the name of Jesus," but later in life he was willing to "die for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13; 26:9). Again, in these passages, the name of Jesus refers to Jesus Himself.
With these things in mind, turn attention to a fascinating symbolic description of Jesus Christ found in Revelation 19:12, 13 and 16.
"His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God&ldots; 16And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
Notice the following:
1) He had a name that no one knew except Himself. While scholars disagree as to whether this name is revealed in the following verses or not, it is at least possible that it is not. Some have suggested that this means that only Jesus Himself can fully know who He is or understand His being. He is after all the unique, one-of-a-kind, only begotten Son of God. But we can know Him by the other names given in the context.
2) His name is the Word of God. Jesus is God's word. Those who see Him as just a good man or as merely a prophet do not really know His name. He not only communicates God's will -- He is the communication.
3) His name is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is no authority higher than Jesus. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-10). When men follow tradition, or religious leaders, or scientists, or philosophers or parents, or any other authority instead of Jesus, they do not know His name. The Psalmist said, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You" (Psalm 9:10).
Do you realize that God is speaking to you in Jesus Christ? Do you understand that His will must reign in your life, because He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Do you know His name? May God help us all to know His name!
Jesus, name above all names.
Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord.
Emmanuel, God is with us,
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.
Jesus, Lord God Almighty,
Wonderful Counselor, Light of the world,
The Prince of Peace, Hope of Glory,
Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God!
"Therefore My people shall know My name" (Isaiah 52:6).
by Steve Klein
A spiritual song asks, "How are we using God's golden moments?" The life of each of us abounds with golden moments of opportunity. Are we eagerly using the time to do good, or are we carelessly letting the opportunities slip through our fingers? Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4). We must be aware of our opportunities, and we must use them before they are gone forever.
Parents of growing-up children have a golden opportunity to mold lives into godly character. Some of those parents are too busy to be with their children, to teach them, to counsel them. Some are ungodly, disobedient to God, and unfaithful in His service while their children are growing up. They turn an indifferent ear to the pleadings of those who see the problem and want to help. Then, one day the children are grown and have gone the way of the world. After wasted years, the parents may decide to turn and serve God, but look at what they have lost! Young parents, please do not let that happen to you! Wake up! How are you using God's golden moments?
On the job, many a person has opportunities to participate in conversation about religion. A Christian may be able to point out various aspects of God's truth, and thus clear up misconceptions about the truth. He can show by his clean language and his rejection of profanity and vulgarity the way a Christian ought to speak. He can, by his own zeal and faithful-ness, show fellow workers who may be Christians a good, encouraging example. Too may times, though, professed Christians behave on the job just like ungodly co-workers, using foul language, telling dirty jokes, thus destroying their influence for good with those who are not Christians, and becoming a source of discouragement to those co-workers who are Christians. Then, one day jobs change, people move from one job to another, and the opportunity is forever gone. Looking back with regret will not change what one has failed to do. Paul said, "...but be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity" (I Tim.4:12). Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt.5:16). How are you using God's golden moments?
Life itself soon slips away- not only the lives of others, but ours also. All the regret and wishing we express will not change those neglected opportunities. The past is behind us now, but the present is with us, and the future lies before us. Let us by all means make full use of the present and determine to use the future to its fullest, filling those golden moments with goodness and worthwhile efforts to save our own souls and the souls of those around us. "Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear them" (I Tim.4:l6). "How are we using God's golden moments? Shall we reap glory; shall we reap tears?"
By Gilbert Alexander