8 APRIL
The name of Jesus
‘Thy name is as ointment poured forth.’ Song of Solomon 1:3
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Peter 2:4–10
I knew nothing about the fear of God. I never had a hearty desire to keep his commandments, till I began to know a little of Christ. I was starving and he fed me; I was sick and he visited me; I was naked, destitute of all good, and he clothed me with his own righteousness; I was shut up in the prison of sin and he came and burst open the doors and set me at liberty. How great is his goodness; how great is his beauty. In comparison of this tree of life, all the tallest of the sons of men are empty and barren. He is the chief among ten thousands and altogether lovely. The soul ranges, as it were, through the whole creation to find some worthy similitudes of her Lord, but all are scanty and insufficient. Let us consider this in my text. It may lead our thoughts not only to the excellency that is in Christ, but to his suitableness to us, and afford a glass in which you may see yourselves and be able to judge by the light of the Holy Spirit whether you are indeed worthy the name of Christians.
Thy name. This in general means his person (as in Revelation 3:4), or rather the manifestation of his person, that by which he is known. The name of Christ includes the whole revelation concerning him, who he is, what he has done—all that we read of his love, his power and his offices, make a part of his great and glorious name. The soul that is taught by the Word and Spirit of God to understand a little of these things, receives such a sense of love and joy, that the very sound of his name is sweeter than music to the ears, sweeter than honey to the taste. He is named a Saviour, to save from guilt, sin and hell. This implies a Mediator. There is an important concern between us and God—but how shall we approach?—who shall interpose? This name affords a comfortable answer. He is named a Husband. Our wants, debts and fears are many. But he is made known by this name (Isaiah 54) and he is rich enough to supply all.
FOR MEDITATION:
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
JESUS! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
My shield and hiding place;
My Prophet, Priest and King;
My never-failing treasury filled
My LORD, my Life, my Way, my End,
With boundless stores of grace.
Accept the praise I bring.
SERMON: SONG OF SOLOMON 1:3 [1/5]
