Why Praise a Name?

Something that has always puzzled me is why the Bible declares the NAME of Jesus. What is in a name? Why should we praise a name and why is there power in a name?

Others Have Same Name:

I know many people today with the given name Jesus. Their names have no power or authority, yet it is the same name!

Meanings of Names:

I understand back in biblical days, people were named by their characteristics. Their names had meaning. I’m so glad that’s not the case anymore. With how my mother thought of me, my name would have been Unwanted, Unimportant, Annoying, Nobody Cares, or The Dog to Kick.

Jesus changed some of his disciple’s names to give their names new meaning. Mark 3:16 These are the twelve he (Jesus) appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), Mark 3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”)

Power in the Name:

I also understand the authority and power in praying through Jesus. But it would be more logical to me if we prayed in the power of Jesus, or in the authority of Jesus. But in the name? It’s just a name. Even though names had meanings, it’s still just a name. Power doesn’t come from a name, it comes from Jesus. How can there be power in a name (Scriptures 1 – Power in the Name)? But if that’s what God tells us to do, I’ll do it. I pray in the name of Jesus, even though I don’t understand it.

Praising the Name:

The Bible also has several verses about praising the name (Scriptures 2 – Praise the Name). Praise a name? I do praise Jesus, the father God, and the Holy Spirit. But to praise a name? That doesn’t make sense to me. Psalm 68:4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; Sing praises to a name? Jesus himself taught us to praise the name Matthew 6:9 (Jesus speaking) “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Salvation in the Name:

There also is salvation in the name (Scriptures 3 – Salvation in the Name). Wow.

Conclusion:

Thank God that I don’t have to understand everything to be saved and spend eternity with Jesus. Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord.