Names are important. They identify exactly who is being spoken to or about. Without names we would just be making general remarks into the void.

The other day I was having a coffee with a student that I mentor. He was telling me about how he was struggling to lead his friend to Jesus. They had interesting God conversations fairly regularly but they didn’t lead anywhere substantial. I asked my friend, “How do you want these conversations to go?” and he replied, “I want him to end up meeting Jesus.” So I asked the further question, “Do you use the name of Jesus in conversation?” to which he quickly replied “No!” After a pause he mused, “Maybe that’s why he hasn’t met him!”

There and then we prayed in Jesus’ name that my friend would have a chance to use the name of Jesus in conversation with his mate. Not 30 seconds later, his mate walked into the coffee shop that we were in. Literally 30 seconds later. It was comical how instant the answer to prayer was. So I left my friend to it saying, “Go for it now then. Drop the ‘J’ bomb into conversation. Mention Jesus. Take a risk!” He did have that conversation and his mate notably changed when he mentioned Jesus. He started asking about Jesus and who he was.

The bible tells us that people have risked their lives for the name of Jesus (Acts 15:23). We are encouraged to do everything we do in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17). Apparently everyone will bow in worship at the name of Jesus (Philippians 2:10) and Jesus even says “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:14)

So it seems that using the name of Jesus is a pretty powerful thing to do and we have the privilege of doing that every day. Let’s not forget to mention Jesus directly. Let’s make sure we identify who we are living our lives for and speaking about. Otherwise we are just making general remarks into the void.