Jesus, Name Above All Names

Spotless Lamb of God, December 27

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.—Revelation 13:8 JNN 379.1

As we read of Luther, Knox, and other noted Reformers, we admire the strength, fortitude, and courage possessed by these faithful servants of God, and we would catch the spirit that animated them. We desire to know from what source they were out of weakness made strong. Although these great men and women were used as instruments for God, they were not faultless. They were erring people, and made great mistakes. We should seek to imitate their virtues, but we should not make them our criterion. These persons possessed rare talents to carry forward the work of the Reformation. They were moved upon by a power above themselves; but it was not them, the instruments that God used, that should be exalted and honored, but the Lord Jesus who let His light and power come upon them. Let those who love truth and righteousness, who gather up the hereditary trusts given to these standard-bearers, praise God, the Source of all light. JNN 379.2

If it should be announced that angel messengers were to open before humanity the treasures of the knowledge which relate to heavenly things, what a stir would it create in the Christian world! The atmosphere of heaven would be about the messengers, and how eagerly would many listen to the words that should fall from their lips! Men and women would write books calling attention to the angels’ words, but a greater Being than angels has been in our world; the Lord Himself has come to reflect upon human beings the light of heaven. He has announced Himself as one with the Father, full of grace and truth, God manifest in the flesh. JNN 379.3

The Lord Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God, gave His own life to save perishing humanity, and, oh, what light, what power, He brings with Him! In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, bodily. What a mystery of mysteries! It is difficult for the reason to grasp the majesty of Christ, the mystery of redemption. The shameful cross has been upraised, the nails have been driven through His hands and feet, the cruel spear has pierced to His heart, and the redemption price has been paid for the human race. The spotless Lamb of God bore our sins in His own body upon the tree; He carried our sorrows.—Selected Messages 1:402, 403. JNN 379.4

Further Reflection: What would it feel like to become sin when I have never sinned? How did Jesus feel as my sins slowly invaded His perfect purity? JNN 379.5