Roland Allen tells about a veteran missionary who came up to him one day after he had delivered his sermon. The missionary introduced himself and said, "I was a medical missionary for many years in India. And I served in a region where there was progressive blindness. People were born with healthy vision, but there was something in that area that caused people to lose their sight as they matured." But this missionary had developed a process which would arrest progressive blindness. So people came to him, and he performed his operation. They would leave, realizing that they had been spared a life of blindness because of this missionary. He said that they never said, "Thank you," because that phrase was not in their dialect. Instead, they spoke a word that meant, "I will tell your name." Wherever they went, they would tell the name of the missionary who had cured their blindness. They had received something so wonderful that they eagerly proclaimed it.
We have also received something so wonderful that we need to “tell his name.” It is a name that is above “every name”, the name of our “Lord.” (Philippians 2:9 NKJV) We need to tell others that He is “Lord”, the God of creation, come in the flesh. He came that we might know God and fellowship with Him as He created the way through His death and resurrection. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:14-17 NIV)
We need to tell others by word and deed that He is “Lord” of our lives – the one who has things under control. In a world with so many uncertainties, we have one who knows and controls this day and the future. “Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in him at all times. Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord. Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 JBP)
There has never been a better time “to tell His name.” In thanksgiving, in grace and in humility, we can testify to the name that is above “every name.” I will close with the chorus we love to sing in our church. May it be our prayer!
Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word
May the “Lord” bless and keep you – Pastor Ralph
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