The Name of Jesus Christ

*Devotional: The Name of Jesus Christ*

*Colossians 3:17*

_“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”_

*Reflection*

There is power in a name. But there is _all_ power in _this_ Name.

Jesus. The name heaven honors, hell fears, and earth needs. When Gabriel came to Mary, Luke 1:31, he didn’t suggest options: _“You shall call his name Jesus.”_ Heaven named Him because heaven sent Him.

His name is a refuge. Proverbs 18:10: _“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”_ When life shakes you, you don’t run to logic, money, or people first. You run to the Name. David understood this in Psalm 20:7: _“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”_

His name is authority. Matthew 28:18: _“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”_ That authority is in His name. That’s why we pray in it, John 16:23, cast out demons in it, Luke 10:17, and baptize in it, Matthew 28:19. The disciples didn’t preach their church or their gifts. Acts 5:42: _“They did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”_

His name is identity. Acts 11:26: _“In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians”_ — literally “little Christs.” You carry His name. 2 Corinthians 5:20: You’re His ambassador. You don’t represent yourself anymore. Colossians 3:17: Everything — your work, marriage, words, decisions — is done _“in the name of the Lord Jesus.”_ That means with His character, by His approval, for His glory.

His name offends. John 15:21: _“They will do all these things to you on account of my name.”_ The world tolerates religion, but not the Name. Acts 4:17-18: The religious leaders said, _“speak no more to anyone in this name.”_ Why? Because that Name has power to save, heal, and change lives, and darkness hates it.

*Prayer*

Jesus, Your name is above every name. It’s my salvation, my strength, my safe place. Forgive me for the times I’ve taken Your name lightly or lived like I carry my own. Teach me the weight and wonder of Your name. Let me speak it with reverence, pray it with faith, and bear it with integrity. At the sound of Your name, let every stronghold in my life break. Let every knee in my family bow. I declare today: Jesus Christ is Lord over my life. Amen.

*Action for Today*

1. *Use the Name on purpose*: Pick one battle you’re facing — fear, sickness, conflict. Speak to it out loud: “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to bow.” Mark 11:23.

2. *Check your label*: Colossians 3:17 — Before you send that text, make that decision, or speak those words, ask: “Can I do this in Jesus’ name?” If not, don’t.

3. *Thank Him by name*: 1 Thessalonians 5:18. List 3 things Jesus has done for you and thank Him specifically: “Thank You, Jesus, for…”

What will look different today if you truly do everything in the name of Jesus Christ?