I. Introduction
Lydia Baxter (1809-1874) In Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the question was asked, "What's in a name?" Christians have long realized that the name of "Jesus" can bring comfort to someone suffering or bereaving, and it can bring joyful hope to the fearful or depressed heart. We will explore these thoughts today, but we also will try to take this a little further and try to understand how we through our actions and words can take Jesus and his name with us anywhere we go. Mrs. Baxter wrote this song while she was very ill. This illness eventually led to her death four years later. She apparently was one who loved to discuss the significance of Bible names, such as Samuel, which means "asked of God," Hannah--"grace," Sarah-"princess," and Naomi-"pleasantness." But the name that she loved to talk and sing about the most was the name "Jesus."
II. Verse 1-Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe; it will joy and comfort give you-Take it, then, where'er you go.
Many times in life we are confronted with experiences that bring sorrow and woe to our lives. Sorrow is defined as-affliction or distress, of mind; grief; regret. The cares of this life are often so overwhelming that we are crippled in many aspects of our life and are unable to cope with many of life's problems. We have referred to this condition and offered many things to help in this regard in our series of lessons entitled- Our Christian Lives, Reducing Stress and Enhancing Joy. But probably the most effective method that the Christian has in overcoming this is to remember, dwell on, and imitate the teachings of Jesus Christ. When we remember his name and all the thoughts that this brings to us, we become stronger, our courage is enhanced, and we are able to deal with problems and others in a more relaxed, effective manner. Thus, Joy and Comfort, are the end results. It should give us great joy (1 Thess. 2:18) to know that Jesus Christ, God's son, (Matt. 14:33) gave himself for us (Gal. 1:4), so that we could have a hope of eternal life. We should also be greatly comforted in knowing that because Jesus is truth (Jn. 14:6), and his word is truth (Jn. 8:31-32), we can count on his promises. We should be happy to be able to take the name of Jesus with us. We do this every minute of every day that we follow him. We are Christians-we belong to Christ and wear his name. We proclaim him to the world with our actions and words.
III. Verse 2-Take the name of Jesus ever, as a shield from every snare; if temptations round you gather, breathe that holy name in prayer.
A shield covers and protects the person using it. We use the name of Jesus as a shield from the snares of the world not just in word but in deed. If all we do is say that Jesus is our savior but we do not do acts befitting righteousness, our faith is worthless and hollow. So it is more than just saying Jesus is our shield, we make Him our shield through careful study of his word, helping others, teaching others, and implementing His word in our lives in every way that we can. Col. 3:17
IV. Verse 3- 0 the Precious name of Jesus! How it thrills our souls with joy, when his loving arms receive us and his songs our tongues employ!
Mark 9.35-37, 10.15-16, Matt 62.5-34 If the name of Jesus is with us and in us, there is no problem, no need, no obstacle that can shake the joy and the confidence that we have. It is this joy and confidence that should cause us to want to shout to the world that Jesus is the savior of mankind and that in following him we can have peace, joy, comfort, and confidence.
Many people do not understand the significance of singing as it is connected to an expression of joy and happiness. It not only is an extension of this but for many it is the direct result of these feelings. Singing about Jesus can not only express our feelings, it can shape them. Have you ever be feeling down and found that after singing songs about Jesus with other Christians or even by yourself, that your mood has changed? I am afraid that one area that has not been stressed enough in regard to worship is the direct relationship that our singing to one another has on our feelings and on the feelings and attitudes of those attending. When you forsake the assembling of ourselves together, you not only deprive yourself of the joy of singing but you deprive others of the comfort and joy that they receive from your participation (whether you can carry a tune or not).
V. Verse 4- At the name of Jesus bowing, failing prostrate at his feet, King of Kings in heav'n well crown him when our journey is complete.
II Cor. 5:10, Hab. 9:27. If we carry the name of Jesus with us through this life and do so in a righteous manner, we will be able to stand before him in judgment and be able to hear him proclaim our name to the father. Matt. 7:21-23, 25:31-46
VI. Chorus-Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.
Rom. 8:24-32, 15:4, Eph 1:18, 2:12-13, Col 1:5 If we do not have the name of Jesus with us, if we cannot be called Christians (followers of Christ), If we do not knew him, we have no hope: This life for us will end in tragedy-eternal damnation of our souls. How important is the name of Jesus and what it means and stands for--if is everything to the Christian!!