Matthew 1:21 (ESV) 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
She…one word…She. She…will bear a son. There was a woman long ago, favored by God and chosen by his providence to bring forth the Son of God. She was purposed before the ages began, her seed’s victory promised after the devilish deception of darkness which came upon Eden, and she had the good news realized in her womb in the fullness of time. She will bear a son. Through her womb, through a lineage, through a home, through the myriad upon myriads of lives and stories and deaths over time…the myriad of the line of Abraham would find fruit in her belly by the power of the very God who names the stars. Yes, she would be overshadowed – this story is not about her. The Almighty’s work in her was his own. And she rejoiced in it. To bring about in flesh, the Son sent from the Father's side, to the scorched earth, cracked with Sin below. And This Son would not be just anyone. He would not be a no name nomad wandering about building ancient furniture with his own calloused hands…though he he was and built many a chair or table. No, this Son would also have a name. Yet not a name unknown to the people of God. Yeshua, Joshua, The Lord Saves…a fitting name. Yes, there was a Joshua long ago who led great exploits…but only so the name might have greater weight when placed upon another. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Yes, there is something about that name. This name, which was commanded of an angel to Joseph, and placed upon the child by this earthly father of clay would be a name which would be spoken upon the lips of men, women and children for all times. Some of these lips would drip guile and spew venom, yes, even “Crucify!” Yet for others that name would be…Matthew 1:21 (ESV) 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” --------His people – who are they? O for the manifest wisdom and grace of God. That before he flung into being billions of galaxies he knew his people. This Jesus knew them, yes his people were foreknown and predestined, then called, then justified, then glorified…to be like God – his people, changed from dust to glory. His people…red, black, yellow, white - from every tribe tongue and language his people would be called forth. His People...that I am in such a number I know not why. Sick pride stay far from me, for salvation has nothing to do with your worth. But the one whom is named Jesus, his work, his worth, his passion, his grace, his friendship, his salvation is my only boast.
- the name above all names
- the name of sweetness
- the name of joy
- the name of comfort
- the name of hope
- the name of grace
- the name of forgiveness
- the name of propitiation and sacrifice
- the name of passion
- the name of peace
- the name of friendship with God
- Yes, Yes, the name of salvation…for he will save his people from their sins…