The Mere Sound of His Name

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Jesus – “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers”(Mat 12:21, The Message).

Only those who have in some way faced a hopeless moment know the truth in this single verse of Scripture. There is hope when we know that Jesus is near, and that He knows what is going on in our hopeless, darkened corner -- even if we are far from those who know us and love us most.

A soldier alone on a battlefield, a missionary lost in the wild, a daughter off in some distant college surrounded with immorality, a son struggling to find his way in a dog eat dog world -- in each of these scenarios, and 10,000 more besides, Jesus brings hope to the hopeless.

JESUS: “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”

He is help to the helpless, and hope to the hopeless. He cares for those who live in a careless world. He lifts up those who are fallen down, and brings in those who have been cast out. He heals the broken, empowers the faint, enriches the poor, and sets the captive free.

They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn. Certainly this is true when Jesus steps into the story. For His presence is like the sunrise, that scatters the shadows of night away. His bright favor brings warmth that thaws the chill of a long and troubled winter. Yes, “the mere sound of his name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”

Here, let me show you what I mean. Take a moment and simply say His name out loud, especially in the face of whatever hopeless thing you may be facing right now.

Jesus.
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