An Application Of The Names Of Jesus And Immanuel

by Pastor Mark
November 19, 2020

The revelation of the names of the Son of God

The nativity accounts of the gospel reveal to us a number of names of the Son of God. The Apostle Matthew recorded the names of “Jesus” and “Immanuel” in his account of the angel of the Lord appearing to Joseph. As we approach Christmas, let us take time to understand, appreciate and apply these significant names.

1. The name of Jesus

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21)

“Jesus” means “He came to save”. The angel revealed that the Child in Mary would become the Saviour of His people from their sins. His name Jesus is matchless and mighty. There is great power in His name. When we invoke the name of Jesus, the L­ord would answer accordingly. (John 14:13,14)

2. The name of “Immanuel”

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matt 1:23)

Matthew also recorded the fulfilment of Isaiah 7:14 which revealed the name “Immanuel”…“God with us”. Jesus came to the earth to represent the very presence of God…wherever He went and in everything He did. As the Prophet Isaiah applied the name “Immanuel”, let us also learn to apply the Lord’s name. (Isa 8)

A wonderful application of the names of Jesus and Immanuel

What is the connection between the names of Jesus and Immanuel?

1. Focus

Whenever we invoke the name of Jesus, our focus should be on the name Immanuel…God with us. When David faced Goliath, he invoked the name of God, “the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel”. (1 Sam 17:45) With confidence, David spoke of God delivering Goliath into his hands, and all would know that there was a God in Israel. David was focused on the presence of God. In the same way, when we invoke the name of the Lord Jesus in prayer, let us be conscious of Immanuel…that God is with us.

2. Faith

As we pray in Jesus’ name, let us have the faith to believe that God is present with us. It is never about using the name of the Lord in prayer perfunctorily. The challenge is for us to apply our faith in the name Immanuel. We can learn to have greater confidence and affirmation in prayer when we connect the names of “Jesus” and “Immanuel”.

This wonderful truth has changed how I would end my prayers. When I call upon the Lord’s name in prayer, I have learnt to focus on Immanuel and to have the faith and assurance that His presence is with me. Let us be challenged to pray more confidently as we invoke the name of Jesus in prayer and focus on “Immanuel”…God with us.

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