Ian

In the bustling streets of Bethlehem, amidst the chaos of a census and the wonder of a miraculous birth, a momentous event took place that would change the course of human history. A child was born, and He was given a name – Jesus. This name, chosen by God Himself, carries immense significance and power. Today, we’ll delve into the profound meaning behind the naming of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 1:25b and Luke 2:21. “…and he called his name Jesus.” (Matthew 1:25b, ESV) “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21, ESV) As we explore these verses, we’ll uncover the supernatural implications of Jesus’ name, its connection to our salvation, and how it empowers us to live victorious lives filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.   The Divine Appointment of Jesus’ Name   God’s Intentional Choice   The name “Jesus” wasn’t randomly selected or chosen based on family tradition. It was a name divinely appointed by God Himself. In Matthew 1:21, we read: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (ESV) This divine naming reveals God’s intentionality and the prophetic nature of Jesus’ mission. The name “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “Yahweh is salvation” or “The Lord saves.” In this name, we see a beautiful convergence of identity and purpose.   Supernatural Revelation   The supernatural aspect of Jesus’ naming is evident in how it was revealed. Both Mary and Joseph received angelic visitations instructing them about the child’s name. This heavenly intervention underscores the importance of the name and the child who would bear it. “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 1:20, ESV) These angelic appearances remind us that we serve a God who is actively involved in human affairs, One who still speaks and reveals His will to His people today.   The Power in the Name of Jesus   Salvation Through Faith   The name Jesus encapsulates the very essence of our salvation. It’s not just a label, but a declaration of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. When we call upon the name of Jesus, we’re invoking the power of salvation. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, ESV) This salvation is not earned through our own efforts but received through faith in Jesus Christ. His name carries the weight of His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession for us.   Authority and Victory   The name of Jesus carries unparalleled authority in both the natural and spiritual realms. As believers, we have been given the privilege to use this powerful name: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;” (Mark 16:17, ESV) When we pray in Jesus’ name, we’re not merely adding a religious phrase to our prayers. We’re asserting the authority of Christ over our circumstances, over sickness, and over the forces of darkness.   The Significance of the Eighth Day   Luke’s account specifies that Jesus was named on the eighth day, coinciding with His circumcision. This timing is rich with symbolism and significance.   Covenant Fulfilment   The eighth day circumcision was a requirement of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:12). By adhering to this practice, Jesus’ parents were placing Him under the covenant, fulfilling the law on His behalf.   New Beginning   In biblical numerology, the number eight often symbolises new beginnings. Jesus’ naming on the eighth day signifies the dawn of a new era – the age of grace and the fulfilment of God’s promises.   Prophetic Foreshadowing   The circumcision, a cutting away of flesh, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make, cutting away our sin nature through His death and resurrection.   Practical Applications for Believers Today   1. Pray with Authority   Recognise the power in the name of Jesus. When you pray, do so with the confidence that comes from using His name. Whether you’re praying for healing, deliverance, or provision, remember that you’re invoking the authority of Christ Himself.   2. Embrace Your New Identity   Just as Jesus’ name reflected His identity and mission, your name as a Christian – a little Christ – reflects your new identity in Him. Live each day conscious of who you are in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)   3. Seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit   Jesus’ naming was intrinsically linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we too are called to be filled with the Spirit. If you haven’t experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, seek it earnestly. This empowerment is crucial for effective ministry and victorious Christian living. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, ESV)   4. Exercise Spiritual Gifts   The name of Jesus empowers us to operate in spiritual gifts. Whether it’s speaking in tongues, prophesying, or praying for the sick, step out in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)   5. Share the Good News   The name “Jesus” means “The Lord saves.” Make it your mission to share this good news with others. Let

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the extraordinary. We often find ourselves so caught up in our routines that we miss the miraculous unfolding right before our eyes. But what if I told you that God is still in the business of miracles? What if I said that He’s inviting you to encounter the supernatural, just as He did with a group of humble shepherds over two thousand years ago?   Today, we’re going to dive deep into Luke 2:15-20, a passage that recounts one of the most awe-inspiring moments in history – the night when heaven touched earth and shepherds became the first witnesses to the birth of our Saviour. This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a living testament to God’s power and an invitation for us to experience His presence in our lives today.   Let’s read the passage together: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:15-20, NIV) As we unpack this passage, we’ll see how it speaks to us today about faith, obedience, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus. We’ll explore how this ancient narrative aligns with our modern understanding of the supernatural workings of God and how it challenges us to live out our faith in practical, powerful ways.   1. Responding to the Supernatural   The Shepherds’ Immediate Obedience The first thing that strikes us about this passage is the shepherds’ immediate response to the angelic visitation. They didn’t hesitate or question; they simply said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened” (Luke 2:15). This demonstrates a crucial aspect of faith – the willingness to act on divine revelation.   In our walk with God, we too are often called to step out in faith. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The shepherds exemplified this faith by acting on what they had heard, even though it seemed extraordinary.   Embracing the Supernatural in Our Lives As believers in the 21st century, we are called to have the same openness to the supernatural as these shepherds did. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.“   God still speaks to His people today through various means – dreams, visions, prophecy, and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. When we cultivate a sensitivity to His voice and a willingness to obey, we position ourselves for divine encounters that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.   2. Witnessing the Miraculous   The Fulfilment of Prophecy When the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem, they found everything “just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20). This fulfilment of the angelic message serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the reliability of His Word.   Throughout Scripture, we see God’s promises coming to fruition. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy, given centuries before Christ’s birth, was fulfilled in the very scene the shepherds witnessed.   Experiencing God’s Faithfulness Today Just as the shepherds witnessed the fulfilment of God’s Word, we too can experience His faithfulness in our lives. The same God who kept His promise of sending a Saviour is the God who promises in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.“   As we walk in faith, we can expect to see God’s promises manifested in our lives. This might come in the form of physical healing (James 5:14-15), provision (Matthew 6:33), or the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). When we align our expectations with God’s Word, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous in our everyday lives.   3. Spreading the Good News   The Shepherds’ Evangelism After encountering Jesus, the shepherds couldn’t keep the news to themselves. Verse 17 tells us, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” Their encounter with Christ compelled them to become the first evangelists of the gospel.   ### Our Call to Share the Gospel This aspect of the shepherds’ experience aligns perfectly with Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.“   As modern-day believers, we are called to the same task. Our encounters with Jesus – whether through salvation, healing, or the baptism of the Holy Spirit – are not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are called to share these experiences with others, spreading the good news of God’s love and power.   The apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to

In the quiet fields of Bethlehem, on a night that seemed like any other, heaven touched earth in a moment that would change the course of human history forever. The birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, was announced not to kings or religious leaders but to humble shepherds tending their flocks. This supernatural encounter, recorded in Luke 2:8-14, reveals the heart of God and sets the stage for the miraculous ministry of Jesus that would follow.   As we delve into this passage, let’s open our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit, expecting God to speak to us afresh through His Word. For just as the angels appeared to the shepherds that night, God still speaks to His people today, revealing His glory and inviting us into His divine plan.   The Shepherds’ Ordinary Night “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (Luke 2:8, NIV) The Significance of the Ordinary   It’s crucial to note that God chose to reveal this world-changing news to ordinary people going about their daily tasks. These shepherds weren’t in the temple praying or performing religious duties; they were simply doing their job, watching over their sheep.   This reminds us that God often moves in the midst of our everyday lives. We don’t need to be in a special place or doing extraordinary things for God to encounter us. The Holy Spirit is always at work, ready to break into our routine with divine revelation.   Application: Be attentive to God’s presence in your daily life. Practice awareness of the Holy Spirit’s leading, even in mundane tasks. Don’t underestimate your importance in God’s plan. Just as He chose shepherds for this pivotal moment, He can use you right where you are.   The Angelic Appearance “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” (Luke 2:9, NIV) The Reality of Supernatural Encounters   This verse vividly describes a supernatural encounter. An angel – a spiritual being from the heavenly realm – suddenly appeared to the shepherds. Moreover, the glory of the Lord, His manifest presence, shone around them. This wasn’t a dream or a metaphor; it was a tangible, awe-inspiring experience of the divine breaking into the natural world.   As believers, we must recognise that such supernatural encounters are not confined to biblical times. The same God who sent angels to the shepherds is alive and active today. While we base our faith primarily on God’s Word, we should be open to His supernatural manifestations in our lives.   The Appropriate Response to God’s Presence   The shepherds’ response to this divine encounter was fear. This wasn’t mere surprise, but a deep, reverential awe in the presence of holiness. When we truly encounter God’s presence, it should provoke in us a sense of holy fear – a recognition of His majesty and our own unworthiness.   Application: Cultivate an expectancy for divine encounters in your life. Pray for increased sensitivity to the supernatural realm. When you sense God’s presence, respond with reverence and worship. Allow His holiness to inspire awe in your heart.   The Angelic Message “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10-12, NIV) The Heart of the Gospel   In these verses, we find the essence of the gospel message. Let’s break it down:   “Do not be afraid.”  God’s message begins with reassurance. The gospel is good news, not a cause for fear. “I bring you good news that will cause great joy.”  The birth of Christ is a joyous occasion. Our faith should be characterised by joy, not gloom. “for all the people” – The gospel is inclusive. Salvation is available to everyone who believes, regardless of their background. “Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you” – This emphasises the immediacy and personal nature of salvation. Christ was born for you personally. “he is the Messiah, the Lord” – This establishes Jesus’ identity as both the promised Messiah and as Lord, affirming His deity.   The Paradox of the Incarnation   The sign given to the shepherds presents a beautiful paradox: the Saviour of the world, the Lord of all, would be found as a helpless baby in a humble manger. This demonstrates God’s pattern of using the weak things of the world to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).   Application: Meditate on the personal nature of the gospel. Jesus was born “for you.” How does this change your perspective on your relationship with Him? Reflect on areas where you might be limiting God. Are there situations in your life that seem too ordinary or humble for God to use?   The Heavenly Choir “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’” (Luke 2:13-14, NIV) The Unseen Realm Revealed   In an instant, the veil between the natural and supernatural realms was pulled back, revealing a “great company of the heavenly host.” This reminds us of the reality of the spiritual world that exists alongside our physical one. As believers, we are engaged in a spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12), but we also have heavenly beings fighting on our behalf (Hebrews 1:14).   The Proper Response to God’s Work: Praise   The angels’ immediate response to the birth of Christ was praise. When we truly grasp what God has done for us in Christ, our hearts should overflow with worship. Praise is not

God’s Supernatural Plan in the Midst of Ordinary Circumstances   In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the extraordinary ways God works through seemingly ordinary circumstances. The birth of Jesus Christ, as recounted in Luke 2:1-7, is a powerful reminder of how God’s supernatural plan unfolds in the midst of everyday events. As we delve into this passage, we’ll discover how the King of Kings entered our world not in a palace but in a humble place among the animals – a testament to God’s wisdom and power.   Let’s read the passage together: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:1-7, NIV) As we explore this passage, we’ll see how God’s supernatural intervention intertwines with human history, fulfilling prophecies and setting the stage for our salvation through Jesus Christ.   1. God’s Sovereignty in Human Affairs The Divine Orchestration At first glance, the census, ordered by Caesar Augustus, seems like a mere political act. However, as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can discern God’s hand moving behind the scenes. This census was the catalyst that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” God used a pagan emperor’s decree to position Mary and Joseph exactly where they needed to be for the birth of the Messiah. This demonstrates that even the most powerful earthly authorities are ultimately subject to God’s will.   Practical Application: Pray for spiritual discernment to see God’s hand in current events and your personal circumstances. Trust that God is in control, even when situations seem chaotic or challenging.   2. The Humble Beginnings of the King of Kings Divine Humility The Creator of the universe chose to enter our world in the most humble of circumstances. There was no guest room available, so the Saviour of the world was born in a place where animals were kept and laid in a manger. This humble birth foreshadows Jesus’ entire ministry and His teachings on humility and servanthood.   Philippians 2:6-8 beautifully captures this divine humility: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” The Supernatural in the Ordinary While the circumstances of Jesus’ birth might seem ordinary, we must recognise the profound supernatural reality taking place. The eternal Word was becoming flesh (John 1:14). The Holy Spirit had overshadowed Mary, and she was giving birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:35). In this humble setting, heaven was touching earth in an unprecedented way.   Practical Application: Embrace humility in your own life, following Christ’s example. Look for God’s supernatural workings in ordinary situations around you. Be open to how God might use you in unexpected or humble circumstances.   3. Fulfilment of Prophecy God’s Word Proven True The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is a powerful testament to the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy. Not only was the location foretold, but numerous other details of the Messiah’s coming were prophesied and fulfilled in Christ. This should strengthen our faith and remind us that God’s Word is trustworthy and true.   Isaiah 7:14 prophesied: “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy finds its fulfilment in the virgin birth of Jesus, as recounted in our passage.   Practical Application: Study biblical prophecies and their fulfilment to strengthen your faith. Share these fulfilled prophecies with others as a powerful testimony to the truth of God’s Word.   4. The Incarnation: God With Us The Mystery of the Incarnation In this humble birth, we witness one of the greatest mysteries of our faith – the incarnation. God Himself took on human flesh to dwell among us. John 1:14 declares: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This incarnation is the foundation for our salvation, for it allowed Jesus to live a sinless life and become the perfect sacrifice for our sins.   Immanuel: God With Us The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” takes on profound significance in light of Jesus’ birth. God was no longer a distant deity but had come to live among His people. This truth continues today through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.   Practical Application: Meditate on the reality of God’s presence in your life through the Holy Spirit. Cultivate an awareness of God’s nearness in your daily activities.   5. Salvation Through Faith in Jesus The Purpose of the Incarnation While Luke 2:1-7 focusses on Jesus’ birth, we must remember the ultimate purpose of His coming. Jesus