Blessed Are the Redeemed
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” John 1:12 NASBS
There’s no doubt that the name of Jesus is one of the most influential names that has ever circulated throughout the entire world. Historically speaking, the span of His life was only about 33 years and yet He impacted and is still impacting the hearts of millions of people.
For hundreds of years, His name has been the subject of extensive debate in evangelical circles, as well as in secular society. The name of Jesus has also divided families, people groups, nations, and kingdoms all around the world, and yet His teachings are unparalleled by any other historical figure throughout time.
The gentiles characterized Him as a madman and a religious zealot, while the Jews labeled Him as a blasphemer and wanted Him dead. But those whom He has called into His kingdom call Him Lord and willingly submit to Him as their Savior. John, the one who walked with Jesus said, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
My prayer, beloved, is for God to bring many into His kingdom and that His name be glorified through it. If this small devotion causes those who are lost to examine their hearts, then God is to be praised. But, I understand the opposite can be true as well, for the same sun that melts the snow also hardens the clay. So if I am criticized for certain things that have been written, then may God be glorified. Let my name be remembered no more and to be trodden under the feet of men, but let the name of Jesus Christ be preached to the ends of the earth. For it is written, “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
If by the providence of God this small devotion has come to you today and you haven’t come to Jesus, understand that He is more willing to bestow mercy on you than you are to ask for it. He is a great King Who is gentle and affectionate. He will come to you where you are at and wash you clean with His precious blood. He will credit you His perfect righteousness, for Jesus is the only one Who has never sinned. Through Him, and Him alone, you can be acquitted from all of your transgressions. He bears the scars of your sins upon His body, and when you pass from this life to that which is to come, you will see Him as He is. There are many in this world who have found rest in His name, for He has clothed them with His mercy and has forgiven their sins as far as from the east is from the west.
My friend, “Are you kept back for want of righteousness? Be not so, for he is the Lord our righteousness, and what you need he has for you. Or, are you depressed by reason of sin? Let not this discourage you, for his name is purposely Jesus, because he, and he alone, shall save his people from their sins.” Therefore, come to the foot of the cross and gaze at the crucified Lord hanging on a tree. Do you see Him there? Can you see the crimson blood flowing from His marred body? Yes, He did this for you. His blood is precious, able to redeem the chief of sinners such as myself. Will you not come to him today and behold his mercy? I pray you do, and may The Holy Spirit give you the strength to do so.