Call His Name Jesus

Angels told both Mary and Joseph that Mary’s baby would be named Jesus. To Joseph, the angel added, He will save His people from their sins. (Mt. 1:21 NKJV)

Jesus means Savior. Today the name is immediately recognizable as the personal name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah or the Christ. It is the name of God’s son when He lived in a human body. But it wasn’t always so. When Jesus lived on earth, the name was common, a variation of the older Hebrew name Joshua.

Nevertheless, the name was important even then, because it identified Jesus’ primary ministry. For although Jesus did many wonderful things—He taught people, He performed miracles, and He demonstrated God’s love as He lived His daily life—His primary purpose was to redeem or to save people from sin. Other men of God had taught and performed miracles. Only Jesus had and has the power to save.

Originally published December 20, 1991.

New Clothes

After the people returned from the Babylonian captivity, they were poor and they struggled. During this time Zechariah described a vision he received of the high priest named Joshua. Joshua stood before the angel of the Lord wearing ragged, dirty clothing. The angel said, Take off his filthy clothes. (Zech. 3:3b NIV)

The vision spoke of more than earthly clothing, however. It had symbolic meaning—because the filthy clothing represented sin. The angel continued, See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you. (v. 4b) Joshua also received a clean turban, and the angel stood nearby to watch while others wrapped it around Joshua’s head.

When Paul wrote to New Testament Christians, he often drew upon his Old Testament knowledge of Scripture. Perhaps he indirectly referred to the vision in Zechariah when he wrote to the Galatians: You are the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized in Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal. 3:26)

The new clothing is not physical but spiritual—and it illustrates the new life God's people receive when they accpet Christ’s death as payment for their sin.

Originally published December 30, 1983.

Give Me This Mountain

Caleb was fearless during the early days of Israel’s wandering through the Wilderness. As one of twelve spies sent into Canaan, he recommended taking immediate possession of the land.

Because that didn’t happen, Moses promised Caleb that he would receive land as an inheritance for him and his children when they eventually did enter—because he had, “wholly followed the Lord.” (Josh. 14:9b NKJV)

For forty years Caleb wandered through the wilderness with the rest of the Israelites, but his faith remained strong and he did not forget the promise. But when they finally entered Canaan, Moses was dead. And so Caleb approached his friend Joshua and said, As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me. Now therefore, give me this mountain. . . . (v. 11a,12a)

Caleb did not think the task would be small—he even reminded Joshua of the giant Anakim who lived in fortified cities. But he declared God would be with him and he would defeat them.

Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb. . . . (v. 13a) And Caleb, fearless for the glory of God, did what he said he would do. He conquered a mountain.

Originally published June 5, 1987.

Only Be Strong

It’s never easy to replace a strong leader. Joshua had served as Moses’ assistant during the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness. As the assistant, Joshua witnessed multiple miracles. He led the Israelites in battle. He even entered the cloud of God’s presence with Moses when they climbed up Mount Sinai. Joshua received the best training possible.

But Moses had carried all the authority and all the responsibility. After Moses died, when Joshua assumed the position of leadership, Joshua responded as a normal human responds. He was afraid and he felt weighed down by the burden and challenge.

God prepared Joshua by speaking a Word into his heart that specifically addressed his fear: Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land. . . . (Josh. 1:6a NKJV)

Remarkable things happen inside a person who hears and believes God’s Word. Joshua got the message, and the people were ready for his leadership. They said, All that you command us we will do . . . Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you.” (v. 16a,17a)

And so, when the time came to cross the Jordan and enter Canaan, Joshua was ready. He provided the leadership necessary for his army and for the people.

Originally published September 4, 1987.
Picture: Commercial display, Grand Forks, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Satan, the Accuser

It’s difficult for the human mind to accept Jesus as non-condemning. Yet He made that clear when He said, “If any one hears my saying, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (Jn. 12:47 ASB)

Someone else is eager to point out people's sin. Scripture identifies Satan as the one who accuses Christians and non-Christians alike: Satan, who deceives the whole world . . . accuses them before our God day and night. (Rev. 12:9b,10b) He functions like a dreaded prosecuting attorney whose total purpose is bringing men to destruction.

There is an Old Testament illustration: A high priest named Joshua stood between the Angel of the Lord and Satan. The Lord rebuked Satan—not Joshua—and replaced Joshua’s filthy garments (sin) with festal robes (God’s righteousness). (Zech. 3:4b)

Originally published February 12, 1982.
Picture: Flowers in the courtyard, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.