The song says it well—there is something about HIS name. There
is something about His Name that divides people rather than unites them. There
is something about His Name that makes people mad rather than glad. There is
something about His Name which upsets people . . . and we should not be
surprised.
Recently, Brit Hume, a Fox news commentator, when asked about
Tiger Woods predicament said in so many words that Tiger’s Buddhist roots didn’t
offer forgiveness but that Christianity would. Boy, did that create a firestorm
among some . . . and we should not be surprised.
That was not the first time nor will it be the last time that
the name of Jesus creates controversy. Jesus himself said you are either for me
or you are against me. There is no neutral ground with this man whose name was
Jesus.
Because most of us want to be peacemakers and shy away from
conflict we may hesitate to mention the name of Jesus as the answer for what
ails the world. Perhaps our prayer needs to be for BOLDNESS. The apostles
prayed for such because they knew the name of Jesus would upset people and it
would divide households.
Hurrah for Brit Hume for
daring to speak in Jesus’ name. Now it’s our turn, and don’t be surprised if
someone makes fun of you, mocks you or ignores you. Jesus said it would happen.
