Jesus Limited to English?

A conversation from earlier keeps running through my mind. Actually, what I keep pondering is a statement made by someone that the power of the name of Jesus lies only in the name as we, English speakers, know it. The point was made that people who speak other languages are to learn the English word “Jesus” just as someone would have to learn my name as “Amanda” in order for God’s power to be loosed.

Now, I understand that sometimes it’s hard to look outside our own cultural box when we’ve experienced little to nothing else, but to limit the power of God to only one culture or language is highly erroneous.

First of all, just to examine the origin of the books of the Bible—stemming from the Middle East to Asia, but nowhere in the western world—and the languages in which the scriptures were originally written—Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic—leaves little room for argument.

Secondly, God Himself created language. He created mankind to communicate in one language and then created diversity in language at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:1-9). And when the apostles spoke in a multitude of languages at Pentecost (doubting, by the way, that English was one of those languages), each of the men present could understand in his native tongue because it was God, the Holy Ghost, speaking through them (Acts 2:4-8). God created all languages and God knows all languages.

This is such a nonsensical belief that it is not only difficult to understand how someone could maintain such a thought, but it is deeply saddening. To say that if someone doesn’t use the English word, “Jesus,” then they are denied the power thereof is to say that all the Christians martyred for His name’s sake during the first 1300 years (before the 1st English manuscripts of scripture emerged) died in vain. And what about the millions more Christians who don’t live in English speaking regions? It is to say they are denied the power of God even unto salvation and that is a gross deception.

I can’t even begin to think I understand the fullness of the power of God. But I do know that the Word of God is alive—in every language. It is not confined to one or another. The Holy Spirit, which guides us into all truth, is alive. He’s not confined to one part of the world or another. God, the Almighty, the infinite Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, without beginning or end, cannot be confined to the depths of our own understanding or even our imaginations. He is the fulfillment of omnipotence (unlimited power & authority) and omniscience (unlimited knowledge & understanding). No language barrier can bridle the power that lies in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies. As we’re commanded to love one another to show ourselves as Christ’s disciples indeed, so we are commanded to love our enemies. The love of Christ in us may be the only true love, the only unconditional, compassionate love that they may experience. Christ loved us when we were His enemies, for while we were yet sinners He died for us. What is our reward if we only love those that love us? Love your enemies, Jesus says, and your reward shall be great! If we exchange hate for hate, malice for malice, we are no different than the rest of the world. God says be ye holy for I am holy. Holiness isn’t only portrayed in our daily activities. Holiness is in our hearts and to whom and how our hearts are extended to others, “…learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart…” To show humility in forgiveness and love, instead of clinging to pride and stubbornness, brings us closer to the meekness of Christ. It unleashes the power of God through His love. The power to deliver, the power to heal, the power to save—for love covers a multitude of sins. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus for Your unfailing love that covers my sins.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matt 5:44).

Chosen

You think you chose to be a Christian?

Think again. God chose you...He chose me too. And the devil knows it. Your walk with Christ through this life will be the hardest thing you ever have to endure. For the enemy comes but to steal, to kill, and to destroy.

Praise God though! We have already overcome the wicked one. Jesus is within each of His chosen and gives the strength to endure. All we have to do is seek out that strength. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. And if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. He is our shield and our strength. Jesus has the victory; therefore, we have the victory through Jesus.

Don't be fooled though. No victory comes without first a battle. Stand on the truth that Jesus said none who the Father has given Him will be plucked from His hand. We are forever kept in the protective hands of a loving Father, if we allow it. Glory be to God and God alone!