Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to You. Holy Father, You have given Me Your name; now protect them by the power of Your name so that they will be united just as We are. During My time here, I protected them by the power of the name You gave Me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. Now I am coming to You. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with My joy. I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
John 17:11-18
John has another theme word that I have not mentioned before now. The word is “world”. Biblically the “world” is that place and system which is set against / opposed to the things and the ways of God. The world system is summed up in the unholy trinity – the world, the flesh and the devil. The world is in the grip of the devil. Jesus came to save us from that system, the wages of which are eternal death. Those who are earmarked for salvation don’t belong to this world. But Jesus (and God) doesn’t want you taken out of the world. He wants you in the world to give the glory to Him and to be a witness to those who don’t yet know Him. But He wants you safe from the wiles of the enemy too. Hence His prayer in John 17.
He has left you with the protection of His Name. What could be better than that? Go back to Bible Gem 95. Let me refresh your memory. Biblically the name stands for:
- The “name” of God has the same relation to the character of God,
- the “name of Christ” is equivalent to “Christ himself”,
- “in the name of God” means sent by God, as representing Him, with Divine authority,
- the “name of Jesus” represented His “authority” and “power”.
So being protected by the name is a big deal. It is like all the authority that is Christ’s is now yours because you are a child of God. That is why being a son of God is big deal. More to come on that at the end of the book. [and ladies being a son of God includes daughters; don’t worry]
When we realise the full potential we have by right as we use His name in this world as His children we will be awed and amazed. I personally have been amazed to see the effect that using the name of Jesus brings in power encounters with the enemy.
The name of Jesus and the Word are two very effective weapons in spiritual warfare. Learn to use them; not just know about them.
Ian Vail
Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?” // JESUS knew our name even before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future. He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Anon
All Santa can offer is “HO HO HO”; JESUS offers health, help and “hope.”
Anon
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
Regina Brett