They Would Know Him By His Name

A long time ago, further back than anyone can remember, a kind and wise king ruled a happy, contented people. His subjects loved him greatly, and he met their every need. In return, the king asked only that they obey him. And for a while they did.

Then one ordinary day a stranger unexpectedly visited these people. Grand in appearance but sly in purpose, he spoke beautiful, compelling words to encourage them to disobey their king. And he made deceitful promises he could never keep. The people listened carefully–before doing exactly as the stranger asked.

But as soon as they disobeyed the wise king, a surprising change confronted them. No longer free as they once had been, they suddenly found themselves enslaved by a harsh master–the stranger!

With great sadness the wise king unfolded the consequences of their disobedience: pain and suffering would be their constant companions.

Still, he did not leave them without hope. “In the fullness of time I will send a powerful new king to break the stranger’s grip on you. Watch constantly for your deliverer, for you do not what day or hour he will come. Unlike other kings, he will be lowly and meek and will not be clothed in regal garments. But you will come to know him by his name.”

A cruel taskmaster, the stranger continually encouraged the people to do all the evils the wise king had warned them against. As their suffering intensified, so did their longing for the deliverer who would release them from the stranger’s prison.

But the deliverer did not come in their lifetimes… or their children’s… or their grandchildren’s. Centuries slipped away, but from time to time the wise king would send reminders that he had not forgotten. The deliverer would come… one day.

Then on a night much like any other night, the heavens exploded with myriads of angels giving glory to God. The deliverer had indeed been born in a stable not far away, and shepherds raced to find this promised king. But as they had been told, they saw no king they recognized–just a baby in a humble manger.

But the wise king was proven right. They would come to know the promised one by his name–a Majestic Name that would thoroughly break the stranger’s powerful hold on them… and their children… and their grandchildren.

Of this Majestic Name, the Bible (Philippians 2:9-11) says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

And because of the Majestic Name we remember at each Christmas season, hope will always be ours… and our children’s… and our grandchildren’s… forever.

MAJESTIC NAME

When time was full, the world had long been waiting
For God to send the One anticipated.
Of lowly birth, He set aside His glory.
The Son of God fulfilled redemption’s story.

As shepherds watched, the moment unsuspected,
God’s glory shown, and hope was resurrected!
Heavenly choirs poured praise and adorations!
Jesus was born a Savior for the nations!

Though sin had reigned, unchallenged in dominion,
A Babe had come in pow’rful opposition
To rule as King o’er all who would permit Him,
Redeeming souls and making life worth living.

(Refrain)
Majestic Name, above all others towers!
Majestic Name, that’s limitless in power!
At Jesus’ name, all knees will bend in honor
And call Him Lord to glorify the Father.

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