For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named. Ephesians 3:14,15
Former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman named each of his five sons George (George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI), which is a rather different wrinkle on the pattern of having sons hold their father’s last name, or in some cases middle name. Big George avoids confusion by having different nicknames for his sons, but their first names are all officially George, just like his. But the big, unconventional boxer has nothing on the Lord Jesus, who has untold millions bearing His name.
Our text today speaks of a family with His name. Who is included in this family? It is possible that even the angels of Heaven bear His name; they are all certainly servants and helpers for Him. For sure the saints of the Old Testament are included. Such men as Abraham, Moses, David, and Elijah were very very aware when they were here on earth that they were members of Christ’s family. We move into the New Testament and see the foundation laid by the apostles and the wonderful testimonies of the Christians in the early days of the Church universal. We read in history of the martyrs and the giants of the faith. We also read accounts of the early brethren who rediscovered the truths of God’s Gathering Place, the truths regarding the Assemblies of the Lord’s people. We hear from the elderly among us about the early days of our own Assemblies and those who first gathered to the Lord’s Name in the place where we now meet. Many people have come and gone, but are still part of the family.
You and I gather, in the Lord’s Name, claiming His presence, to remember Himself. We bear His name. No greater honour can human imagine.
The One who draws us to Himself today has given us His Name. Now, and forever. -Jim MacIntosh