DIRECTOR'S BLOG

Blog: Dr. Sam Martin

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." Matthew 1 v 21

‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There is something about that name.’

As I write, my heart is somewhat sad because it is difficult to understand why so many people seem to hate the name Jesus. This came out of a letter I received from a friend earlier today. A letter in which he shared that he was preparing to speak at a very large convention type meeting, and basically he planned to share his faith, his testimony and in that context, the impact that was made on his life after a visit to our Campus in Guatemala.

As I read his paper, I noticed he mentioned me, the school but did not mention the Mission by name ‘The Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission.’ However, I sent him a note saying I would be praying for him and his witness. Then I received a response to my letter and it saddened my heart. He said,
“Thanks...it was very frustrating.. they censored it to the point where I couldn't even mention the name of AOJ.. because it has Jesus in the name.. I was smoking under the collar.”

Can you understand that? In this day of political correctness, you cannot mention the name ‘Jesus.’ My mind went back a few years when a dear friend and member of the Government of Canada sought to help us as a Mission get funding for a project in Haiti. He came up against it and heard Government Officials say, “get them to change their name.” In simple terms, “have them remove the name Jesus.”

My friends, we are not ashamed of the Name of Jesus and will never ever change our name just to get funding. God Himself and His people will provide the resources we need to fulfill His mandate! Let me just share a few scriptures with you:

‘Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ Philip 2:9-11

‘Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved’ – Acts 4:12

‘By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.’ Acts 3 v 16

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full – John 16:23-24

Yes, there is something about that name and the song writer put it so well:

Jesus Jesus Jesus, there's just
something about that name.
Master, Saviour, Jesus, like the
fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and
earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will pass away
But there's something about that Name!