Jesus Refuted Shakespeare

What Did Jesus Do?

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
John 14.13


Old Will, you know, the kid from Avon who was always writing sonnets and plays and stuff. Well, he was not impressed by names (see Romeo and Juliet [II, ii, 1-2]). After all, “That which we call a rose...” Even I have to concede that there's not much to most names anymore. The Chuck Taylors I wore playing basketball in high school ain't what they used to be, if you'll excuse the expression. No offense, but “Made in China” just isn't the same as made in Massachusetts. And folks in the know are no longer impressed when I tell them where I went to seminary, that name surely doesn't stand for what it used to. Yet, in spite of all the evidence supporting the Bard's observation about how little names mean, I have to admit that names, or at least one name, matters a great deal.

Not that I'm at all into kooky stuff like Kabalarian philosophy. As astrologers believe that the position of celestial objects millions of miles away at the moment of your birth determines all the important stuff in your life, Kabalarians believe that everything about your life is set in stone the moment your parents saddle you with your name. Nevertheless, Jesus refuted Shakespeare, and replied to the question, “What's in a name” with a resounding “Everything!” Everything, that is, when “a name” is “The Name,” and object is to glorify the Father.

When his life was down to being measured in hours, Jesus talked with his followers about a name, His name. The gist of the conversation was this, “You've all marveled at the works I have done, but there will be people who will do even great works than these. They will be the ones who believe in my name. And, believing, who desire that the Father should be glorified in the name of the Son. These will be able to accomplish pretty much anything in my name.” In your face, Will Shakespeare!

Don't misunderstand, as many do. “In Jesus' name” is not a magical phrase. Such thinking would be more in line with the Kabalarians, than with Christianity. One can't simply desire or say just anything, and expect that tagging “in Jesus' name” on the end will make something happen. You'd have better luck rubbing on some old tarnished lamp and trying to conjure up a genie. The thing is, believing in the name of Jesus means so much more than, well, believing in the name.

Believing in The name means believing in the Word. This is to say that, contrary to the world, we believe that the Bible is true. Otherwise, the name “Jesus” doesn't stand for much at all. Believing in The name means not only knowing the Son, but understanding that in knowing the Son we also know the Father who sent him (see WDJD for 5/20/11). Otherwise, the name “Jesus” doesn't really mean “Yahweh saves!” (And if you truly know Jesus you know Yahweh.) Believing in The name means believing in the Holy Spirit whom the Son has asked the Father to send to help us (see John 14.16). Otherwise, the name “Jesus” is of no more help or hope to us than any other name.

In the name of “Jesus” the blind are made to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the Father is glorified. In the name of “Jesus” mountains are plucked up and cast into the sea, strongholds are torn down, darkness is overcome by light, and the Father is glorified. In the name of “Jesus” prisoners are set free, the dead are raised, sinners are saved, and the Father is glorified.

What's in a name? Not much, unless it's the name, in which case there's everything. To the glory of the Father!

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4