Good morning. As we read scripture, we see that when anyone was confronted by the presence of God their reaction was the same: terror. The glory of God would shine around them, and they would fall with their face to the ground, usually saying something like Isaiah 6:5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
When you come face to face with God, your first reaction seems to be “I’m going to die!”. His awesome power, glory, and presence is too much for us.
But what about when people saw Jesus? No, Jesus was greeted in a variety of ways, but abject fear wasn’t one of them. Until, that is, when John was called to heaven and was confronted by Jesus in all of His heavenly glory. In that instance, the reaction was pretty much the same as Isaiah.
Jesus, the Name above all names. (Philippians 2:5-11) Jesus, whose Name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus, the way, the truth, the life. (John 14:6) Jesus, the Word who is, was, and will always be God. (John 1:1-4)
Jesus, who is the Bread of life; the Son of the Most High; the Light of the world; the Lamb of God; the Resurrection and the Life; He that will come; the Alpha and the Omega.
When you see Jesus, and you will, what will you call Him? He is our brother and our friend, but when we see Him in heaven will we call Him Lord?
Gabriel told Joseph and Mary the will of God on the matter: “and you will call His Name, Jesus, for He will save the people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Jesus was not an uncommon name in 1st century Judea. Jesus is the Greek rendition of the Hebrew name, “Joshua”, which means “the one who saves”.
When we read the New Testament gospel accounts, we see that Jesus was not a person who would be described as “aloof”. Far from it. People flocked to Him. The only one we read of falling at His feet to grovel is the demon possessed man whose name was “legion”. What we read is that people, when hearing that Jesus was coming, would rush to meet Him. Perhaps they had a need which required a miracle. Perhaps they had heard the stories and wanted to see for themselves. Perhaps they were filled with wonder, “Could this be Him, the Messiah of God?”
When we see Him, we will bow and acknowledge Him. That is foretold in the Philippians 2 passage mentioned earlier. But when we see Him perhaps the experience is best captured in Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. His glory is our glory. His life is our life.
So, call Him Lord and call Him friend. Call Him the Lamb of God and call Him brother. Call Him Mighty God and call Him Jesus. He is yours.
Vern