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The Bible makes it clear that the name of Jesus is to be honored and respected above all other names. In Philippians 2:9-11 we read:
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The President of the United States is called President, Leader of the Free World, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Head of a Political Party—and other titles that are given to him because he was elected President. Those titles represent his authority in various areas. Similarly, but in a much more important way, Jesus has been given names by God the Father that represent his authority, and as Christ-followers, we have access to the power of his name.
I want to focus on five of the many names in the Bible that describe Jesus and I want to encourage you as a Christ-follower to claim his name for whatever need you are facing—to “claim the name.”
Immanuel – God with Us
In Isaiah 7:14 we read that the Messiah will be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” This is a name of Jesus you can claim.
This means that in the midst of whatever you’re facing, you stop and claim the truth that Jesus is “God with you.” You are not alone. He will never leave you or forsake you. It means that in the middle of your pity party, when you are feeling sorry for yourself because you’re facing something all alone and you feel as though nobody cares, you can claim the name of Immanuel and know that God is with you.
For those times when you feel forsaken or abandoned, when all your friends seem to have vanished, when the person closest to you doesn’t seem to understand what you’re going through, learn to tap into the power in the name of Jesus Immanuel—God with you. It’s true, but you must claim it for yourself—claim the name of Jesus Immanuel today and be encouraged because God is with you.
Wonderful Counselor
Our lives are full of decision points, forks in the road where the choice we make will have some significant impact in our lives. How do you make good decisions? How can you be sure that you’re choosing the right path?
One of the most wonderful names given to Jesus is found in Isaiah 9:6 which says, “he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In that one verse we have four of the incredible names given to our Lord, and at the top of the list is Wonderful Counselor.
What is the role of a counselor? It is to give guidance and trustworthy advice, right? So, as you’re facing some important decisions today, have you gone for counsel to Jesus, or are you just trying to figure it out on your own? His name is Wonderful Counselor—the best Counselor. Have you claimed the name of Jesus for the guidance that you need?
I well remember some years ago when I was facing a dilemma in my life, one that looked potentially dire and where the wrong decision could be catastrophic. I knew I needed good advice, so what did I do? I called my best friend, who just wasn’t available to me at that moment. I kept dialing and re-dialing her number to no avail, and I actually became irritated at her for not being there when I needed her. And as I paced the floor in frustration, trying to reach my friend, so clearly the Lord reminded me that Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. He is the one I needed to turn to first and fast, because his guidance is perfect.
So, I stopped and claimed the name of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor—and took the whole situation to him in prayer. He calmed my spirit and assured me that he would guide my steps through this situation and I could trust him. After all, he’s not like any other counselor—those who can be mistaken; instead he is my wonderful, perfect Counselor.
I want to encourage you today, as you’re facing some decision point, some difficult situation, to first seek counsel from Jesus. Claim his name of Wonderful Counselor and call on him for the guidance you need. He’s always available, as a Christian you have instant access to his presence—no waiting around—and he is indeed a Wonderful Counselor in whom you can totally trust. Claim that name for yourself today.
Advocate
Did you know that Jesus is your heavenly Advocate? First John 2:1 says: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” An advocate is someone who supports you, who pleads on your behalf. What an incredible truth that as believers in Jesus Christ, we can claim this name of Jesus, that he is our Advocate with the Father.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God’s throne and he is there to intercede for you, to plead on your behalf. That means that you have the privilege of going right to God’s throne in prayer, and Jesus is there to plead your case.
The Bible tells us that Satan is accusing us night and day before the Father (Revelation 12:10). Do you get the picture here? Satan is accusing you, but Jesus is at the right hand of God advocating for you. It’s like a scene from a courtroom, but the verdict is already determined. Satan can accuse all he wants, but he can’t win, because we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ.
Could it be that you are now facing some failure on your part—something you did or said or failed to do that you know was wrong, was sinful? You know that you have disobeyed God in some way and your conscience is really bothering you.
But what do you do? You go to your Advocate, to Jesus in prayer and you claim his name—his authority—as your Advocate to plead your case to the Father for forgiveness. Just believe what the Bible says—you have an advocate with the Father when you sin, and Jesus, your Advocate, has all authority given to him in heaven and in earth. So, do you think he will win your case for you? You can be totally confident that if you confess your sin, your Heavenly Father will forgive you because you come to him through Jesus, your Advocate.
Peace
Peace is a commodity in short supply these days—wouldn’t you agree? Are you a little short on peace right now? Have you been spending too much time in worry mode? Has fear seized your mind and heart, keeping you awake at night?
Jesus’ name is Prince of Peace, which we read in Isaiah 9. A prince is someone who is a leader and has influence and authority. Therefore, the Prince of Peace can bestow peace on a person or situation.
That means that there is no need for you to be held captive by worry or fear, because you can claim the name of Jesus—the Prince of Peace—and he will give you peace. Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus himself is our peace.
Jesus said that the peace he gives us is not just temporary peace like you might find in the world. Jesus said it’s peace that only he can give, and Paul wrote to the church in Philippi that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).
So, why are you living in worry and fear? Do you see how useless and unnecessary it is for you as a child of God, because you can claim the name of Jesus, your Prince of Peace. And you do that by faith. You believe that Jesus is your peace and you claim that peace as your own. You don’t have to feel it; you just have to believe that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and he has peace for you.
I would suggest that when you find yourself engulfed by worry or fear, you simply start repeating what the Bible says is true, that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is your peace. Resist the enemy who wants to keep you mired in doubt and worry. Run him off—out of your mind—by repeating the truth that Jesus is your peace, and then repeat that as often as you need to throughout the day. This is how you claim the name of Jesus.
The Way, the Truth, the Life
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). I wonder if you’ve ever contemplated just how totally sufficient Jesus is because he is your way, your truth and your life? When Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life,” what he was saying is that everything you will ever need is found in him. He is your way, your path to God and eternal life. Jesus was again telling his disciples to “Follow me.” Peter later wrote: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).
He declared that he is the Truth—therefore, he is trustworthy. He can never lie to you or deceive you, and you can totally trust everything he has said and every direction he has given you. He is the Truth that can set you free from your sin, free from fear, free from bondage.
And Jesus is your life. Jesus was telling his disciples about his impending death, and then he claimed to be the source of all life. He said he would lay down his life for the sheep, and then that he would rise from the dead to life again. He gave the promise that “because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19).
So, wherever you are today—in whatever predicament you find yourself, your need is met in Jesus. Claim his names: He is the way, the truth and the life. Run to Jesus; call on Jesus; trust Jesus. Everything is always all about Jesus. So, claim his name, his authority, as your own. That is your privilege if you are truly born from above.