I KNOW A NAME

          While at times I still miss teaching, there are many changes which help make me glad that I'm retired.  And one of those changes is the fact that today most parents are looking for new and different names and spellings for their children.  I had enough trouble memorizing the names of my students when they were mostly John, Bob, Bill, Mary, Sue, etc.  I'd be challenged to learn them today.  I pity teachers today who must deal with this.  Of course, names are important and we love to hear our names called, especially if it is for something good.  But there is one name which is beyond all others.  It is a special name given by God to His Son, Jesus.  " Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,", Phillipians 2:9-10.  It is only through Him that we can be saved. "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12.  Unfortunately, today many people only know the name of Jesus as a swear word.  So often it is taken in vain.  And that should hurt us as believers who love that precious name and what He means to us. " But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."  John 20:31.  Many beautiful songs have been written over the centuries about this name.  The one I've chosen to feature this week may not be as well known as many others, but it is a great reminder of what the Savior has done and can do for us.  The words were written by Haldor Lilenas (1885-1959).  Lilenas was given a Doctor of Music degree from Olivet Nazarene College.  He served as a pastor and evangelist for many years until he founded the Lilenas Music Company in 1924 where he worked as an editor until he retired in 1950.  It is said that he wrote some 4,000 hymns and supplied songs for many evangelists.  Now I have not found any details about the actual writing of this hymn, in 1928, but I assume that it must have been his testimony and experience.  Meditate about his profound words this week as you worship and praise the Savior.  Hopefully you too can say, "I know a name, a wonderful name, that wonderful name is Jesus."

1.     I know a name that can drive away all sorrow,

I know a name that is sweeter than them all;

I know a name from which comfort I may borrow,

When others fail and when tears of anguish fall.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

2.     I know a name that can still the raging tempest,

I know a name that can calm the troubled sea.

I know a name with a tender touch of healing,

For every heart that by sin may troubled be.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

3.     I know a name that dispels the powers of evil.

I know a name that can break the tempter's snare.

I know a name that unlocks the gate of heaven,

When through its merits I go to God in prayer.

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

4.     I know a name, wondrous name above all others,

O sacred name by angelic hosts adored.

I know a name that is altogether lovely.

O precious name of my living Christ and Lord

I know a name, a wonderful name,

That wonderful name is Jesus.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN