Oil Poured Forth

Monday, December 15

Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Devoción

“Your name is oil poured forth” Song of Solomon 1:3b. This is a spiritual picture of the name of Jesus, a fragrant name to believers. Like the alabaster box broken and poured out on Jesus by Mary of Bethany, His very name evokes such a response. Although many people over the ages have held the name Jesus in various forms (Jeshua, Joshua to name a couple), only one Jesus, born to Mary through the Holy Spirit, is the Christ or anointed Messiah, the Jesus, who died for our sins! His blood, having been poured out for our salvation, brings a response in us like the Song of Solomon, penned so beautifully.

The sweetness of the name of Jesus encompasses the riches of His glory and all that He has done for us. He is God in the flesh: Matthew 1:23, All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Isaiah 9:6 tells of His titles, that He is called, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In all these things, we rejoice in the one that the Father sent.

Indeed, He is counselor; the Holy Spirit dwells in Him with all wisdom and knowledge, discernment, judgement, and counsel. He is mighty God and Everlasting Father—God with us in the verse previously mentioned. “Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?,” John 14:9. At the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord! Demons tremble at His name! Lastly, He is Prince of Peace, who provided for us peace with God through the giving of His life on the cross for our sins. It is His righteousness which covers us, that we can approach the throne of God, His stripes that He bore that heals our disease. His peace continues to settle the hearts of man: Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

One could spend all eternity unwrapping the gift of the name of Jesus. This short devotion only begins to untie the bow. Meditate this week on how the name of Jesus is a gift to you. Take in the fragrance of oil poured out as you worship Him this week, and as you speak His name.

Oración de hoy

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for the priceless gift of Your Son, Jesus, the Name above every name. We stand in awe of the oil poured forth through His life, His sacrifice, and His victory over sin and death. Let the fragrance of His name fill our hearts afresh today. Where there has been fear, bring peace. Where there has been confusion, release Your wisdom and counsel. Where there has been weariness or sickness, let the healing power of Jesus flow. Teach us to cherish His name, to speak it with faith, reverence, and love, and to live in a way that reflects the righteousness He has placed upon us. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Aplíquelo hoy mismo

In moments of anxiety, call on Him as your Prince of Peace. In moments of uncertainty, acknowledge Him as Wonderful Counselor. As you pray, worship, or go about your day, pause and reflect on what His name personally means to you. Let the fragrance of “oil poured forth” shape your attitude, your words, and your response to others living daily from the power, peace, and salvation found in His name alone.

Recursos

• If you missed yesterday’s sermon, “The Gift of Jesus’ Name,” take a moment to watch it today. This powerful message reminds us of the hope, authority, and salvation found in the name of Jesus, especially in this Christmas season.
• Read Isaiah 9:6 this week and make it your anchor Scripture, a firm reminder of who Jesus is to you.