Command 17 : Ask, Seek, and Knock | Day 118

Knock With the Right Name!

Why is a good name rather to be chosen than great riches? (See Proverbs 22:1.) It is because a name is more than a label; it represents the character and nature of the person who has it. This is why Jesus instructs us to use His name when we pray.

“Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

The name of Jesus is bigger than the word Jesus. It represents many important attributes that identify His person, character, function, authority, and power. For example, He is our Redeemer, Protector, Shepherd, Provider, and Counselor. He is our Light, Bread of Life, Living Water, Wisdom, and a host of other characteristics. His names testify to the fact that He is everything we currently need or ever will need.

When we bring a request to our heavenly Father, we should understand the nature of the Lord Jesus that directly relates to that request. If we are asking for physical healing, we could use the name of Jesus as our Great Physician, because He is the One Who makes the spirit, soul, and body whole. If we ask for wisdom, we can use the name of Jesus as our Mighty Counselor.

When Hezekiah appealed to God for deliverance from the enemy, he recognized the precise attribute of God that related to his need. He began with these words: “O Lord God of Israel." "Israel" means "God prevails." It was the name given to Jacob after he wrestled with the angel and said, “I will not let you go until you bless me." Then Hezekiah stated, “Thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth." God assured Hezekiah, “That which thou hast prayed to me ... I have heard.” (See II Kings 19:15-20.)

“They that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:10).

Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" They responded by giving names: “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." Then Jesus asked, “But whom say ye that I am?" Peter responded by saying, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus told Peter, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (See Matthew 16:13-17.)

When we ask, seek, and knock, do we recognize the authority and power behind the precious name of Jesus? He is “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” (See Ephesians 1:15-23.) Let's learn as many of Jesus' names as we can so we can more fully understand and appreciate His character and nature and look to Him to meet all of our needs.