Only One?

“(Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

There’s a story told about a small town in the state of Texas in the 1800s; a riot had broken out and the beleaguered sheriff realising that he couldn’t cope sent off a telegraph message to the Texas Rangers calling for backup. He waited at the train station the next day for the company of rangers who were coming to rescue the town. But as the train pulled into the station only one tough individual, armed to the teeth got off it; the sheriff rushed up to him and blurted out, “They only sent one ranger?” And the ranger replied, “Well, there’s only one riot!”

There is also only one Saviour! He came to rescue mankind from the penalty of sin which is death, and to offer the gift of eternal life by grace.

Notice what Jeremiah prophesied in chapter 23:5-6 (MSG italics mine): “’Time’s coming’—God’s Decree—‘when I’ll establish a truly righteous David-Branch, A ruler who knows how to rule justly. He’ll make sure of justice and keep people united. In his time Judah will be secure again and Israel will live in safety. This is the name they’ll give him; “God-Who- Puts-Everything-Right.”’”

Who has such a Name? After Peter and John were arrested and imprisoned for teaching the people, and of course for healing a lame man outside the Beautiful Gate of the temple (Acts chapter 3 and 4), next day, the rulers and Annas the high priest, brought them out for interrogation. The question was (4:7), “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter told them in no uncertain terms (verse 10-11), “This man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’” He goes on to make the point more forcefully in verse 12, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” (NRSV italics mine).

Could this name, Jesus, be the name of the God who puts everything right? Well let’s listen to Paul, who declares, “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.” (Philippians 2: 9-11 NIV italics mine).

This is the One who came to save us!

Prayer
Such a priceless Name, Father, and such a wonderful gift! Thank you!
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON LU1 5JE

Meeting Time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan
Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk