After the birth of our Lord Jesus, Mary and Joseph stayed in Bethlehem. Eight days after Jesus' birth, he was circumcised (Luke 2:21). Circumcision is a family ceremony that takes place in the home. The father normally performs it. God instituted Circumcision as a sign of God's promise to Abraham. Genesis 17:11 says, "You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you." God chose Abraham and all his children after him to become God's chosen people, and in order for all Abraham's children to become part of God's people, they have to be circumcised. Since our Lord Jesus was an Israelite through Mary, Jesus was circumcised and identified with Jewish people. Mary and Joseph called the baby boy Jesus, the name given by the angel Gabriel before He was conceived in the womb. Jesus is an English name that came from the Greek word Iesus and the Hebrew word Yeshua, which means "The LORD is salvation."
The name of Jesus describes the person of the baby. The baby boy who was just circumcised was the Savior of the world. He was the one whom God sent into this world to show us the way to God and restore our relationship with God through His death and resurrection. Acts 4:12 says, "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." When we call in the name of Jesus, we are calling the Savior of the world. So, when we are in doubt and confused, we can call in the name of our Lord Jesus. When we are overwhelmed with our problems, we can call in the name of our Lord Jesus. When we are in desperate need, we can call in the name of our Lord Jesus. Our Lord Jesus' name is the name of our God, who became human to save us from our sins.
As we anticipate and prepare for 2025, let us remember that in Jesus' name, we are not alone. We can call on our Lord Jesus to help us in our times of need. Our Lord Jesus has the power to change our situations and lead us to the right path.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What is the meaning of the name Jesus? Who can I call when I need help and direction? What lesson can I learn from today's devotion?
Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, I am blessed and thankful that I have been saved in the name of my Lord Jesus. I thank you that when I am in need and need of direction, I can call on the name of my Lord Jesus. I am never alone; I can always call in your name, Lord Jesus. Please help me to trust and walk in your way. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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