The Name

People unfamiliar with biblical languages often debate about the name of Jesus.  They might point out that there is no "J" sound in Hebrew therefore we must be pronouncing it incorrectly.  When one runs into a Hispanic man named Jesus (Haysoos) they might think this is sacrilege, or maybe a bit humorous.  Jews often greet each other with the phrase "Baruch Ha Shem" (Praise the Name).  So what is the name?  Various names are used in the Old Testament that represent God's authority.  In English they are often translated LORD or Lord, depending on which word is used.

The New Testament writers said Jesus was given a name above all names. (Philip 2:9)  Joseph was told by an angel that Mary would bear a Son and his name would be called Jesus, then two verses later the gospel of Matthew quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) Isaiah "Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and they will call his name Immanuel." (Isa. 7:14, Matt. 1:21-23)  So why do we not call Him Immanuel (God with us) instead of Jesus?  Take it one step further, why not baptize in the name of Immanuel?

If a police officer was to shout "stop in the name of the law" we would understand simply that he was calling upon the name of the authority given him by the civil law.  We would not suggest he was calling upon a guy named "Law".  So it is with the various names used for God.  Jews have been very cautious about using the name of God in vain out of reverence and respect for the authority it implies  Isaiah writes, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  There will be no end to the increase of His government." (Isa. 9:6-7)  It is not so much how we pronounce his name, but what is meant by proclaiming it.  When demons are cast out in His name they certainly understand the authority that is being called upon.  If a Greek or Russian Christian uses Isoos, or a Jewish Christian uses Yeshua, the devil and his cohorts understand without question what is going on.  If one is a fake Christian however the Devil knows that as well.  As illustrated in Acts chapter 19 when the sons of Sceva trying using the name of Jesus and the demonized man replied, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"  He then tore into these guys and they fled the house naked and wounded.  If a police officer met such resistance he would have likely drawn his weapon and shot the man.  That is the power the civil officer carries.  We on the other hand, as ambassadors of a heavenly kingdom, have a different type of authority.  The name of Jesus carries with it the authority to save from sin, to deliver from evil, to heal the sick and to comfort the broken hearted.