power over the powers...

Let's take a quick look at the power of a name...

In the movie "The Usual Suspects," the name Keyser Soze' is whispered many times in reverence and fear. It seems to hold a certain meaning and power. The same is true in the new Chronicles of Narnia films. "Aslan is on the move," says Mr. Beaver in hushed tones. Aslan's name is whispered so intentionally, it is as if the future of all Narnia hung in the balance...and it did.

We can see here, and in our own experiences that certain names hold power and it is sometimes a risk to even audibly utter them.

In the Old Testament times the name of God, "Yahweh(יַהְוֶה, YHWH)" was held in such regard. It was against Jewish custom to speak the name of Yahweh; even when it was being written it would often be shortened, as to not use the full name. His name was regarded as too sacred for the common tongue to use. Another name of God that held similar power and was never to be spoken was "I AM" (אהיה אשר אהיה, Exodus 3:14). A name encompassing all of God's being, nature and attributes.

Philippians 2:10 shares with us that the name of Jesus also holds this soul-shaking power. A power over things on earth, in heaven and under the earth - power over things visible and invisible. On example of this is found in John 18.

Jesus had been out all night praying in Gethsemane's garden when Judas and the Sanhedrin's soldiers came to arrest him. Jesus asks them who they are looking for, they reply "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus than states "I am he." At this, the soldiers are thrown back by the sheer force of that name (a form of "I AM"). The NIV text almost makes it seem like the soldiers heard this, tiptoed back a few feet and then gently laid down. But, in reading other and primary texts one can see that this is not the case - the soldiers are blown back and thrown to the ground! What power... in a name.

A name that has been given to us to call upon, flee to, stand on and worship. A name and a God who holds power over things we can see and those things we can only feel or sense.

Meditation: Psalm 50:15

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