Praying the Names of God - February 16

From Praying the Names of Jesus Week Nine, Day Five

The Name
Most of us are so familiar with the title "Christ" that we tend to consider it part of Jesus' personal name. But what exactly does it mean? Like "Messiah," "Christ" means the "anointed one." The phrase "anointed one" refers to someone who has been set apart for a special mission.

That was how the first Christians thought about Jesus. As Israel's Messiah, he was the greatest of all kings, the one called and empowered to destroy God's enemies and extend his kingdom throughout the earth. His mission was to put an end to our deepest troubles — to rebellion, sin, and death. When we pray to Jesus Christ, we are praying to the Messiah, the Anointed One, whose mission involves calling the world back to God through the power of his love.

Key Scripture
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36

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Friday
 Promises Associated with His Name

What is the one word every young person wants to hear, especially from a parent? I'll give you a clue. It starts with "y" and ends with "s." It has only three letters, and it is the opposite of no. "Yes, you can have the car tonight." "Yes, you can go to the concert." "Yes, you can sleep as late as you like." Yes, yes, yes . . . human beings love this word. So it makes perfect sense that Paul equates it with Jesus, saying that Christ is the positive answer to every promise God has made. "Yes, I forgive you." "Yes, I am with you." "Yes, I love you and will never let you go."

Jesus Christ, now and forever — God's resounding yes to everyone who asks.

Promises in Scripture

But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Continued Prayer and Praise

Reflect on the prophecies. (Psalm 22; 69:20-21; Isaiah 52; Zechariah 9:9; Luke 24:45-48)

Understand his role. (Psalm 72:1-8; Isaiah 11:1-9)

Guard against false messiahs. (Matthew 24:24; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 John 2:18-24)

Reflect on his anointing. (Luke 4:14-21; John 12:1-7)

Remember, nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:32-37)

Clothe yourself in Christ. (Galatians 3:26-28) 

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Meet your spiritual ancestors as they really were: Less Than Perfect: Broken Men and Women of the Bible and What We Can Learn from Them.