In addition to its literal meaning, for a believer, Jesus Christ’s name is synonymous with faithfulness and truth. Even an archangel might fall. Pastors, priests, leaders of all kinds fall into criminality, and may even commit crimes leading to arrest and just imprisonment, maybe even worse, and whole churches, or other assemblies might likewise fall into criminality, lying, causing distress and even grievous harm. But despite what those claiming to follow him do, the name of Jesus still evokes faithfulness and truth, because he lived obediently, died obedient to God, and rose from death by God’s power because of his faithfulness and truthfulness. We might shudder at what leaders of those claiming to be disciples do, but Jesus’ name we can trust, and we are saved by this faith. The Father worked this in Jesus, teaching him, upholding him, watching over him during his temptations and sufferings and works of miraculous faith. God gave Jesus this name. And to it God added the anointing of Messiah-hood and Lordship. God raised him to eternal life, and gave Jesus to be able to give that life to his disciples too, to those who likewise remain faithful and true. The Holy Spirit is given to this end, in Lord Jesus Christ’s name. Our meetings, when we devote them to Jesus’ name, receive his presence in Spirit and truth, if we are truly his disciples, truly believing in his name and holding to his teachings, building up this Temple of the living God.
