John 17:11  Holy Father, keep them in Your name.

"What's in a name? This question was made famous by William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet. Juliet wistfully wonders, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." It doesn't matter that Romeo is from the rival family named Montague. What's in a name? For Juliet - absolutely nothing.

Jesus disagrees. He asks His Father to keep the Church "in Your name." Yahweh is God's name in the Old Testament - though it appears as "Lord" in English Bibles. God tells us what His name means.  "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6).

Recall what the Israelites had just done - worshipped a golden calf. How does God respond to Israel's idolatry? our idolatry? our worship of money, possessions, jobs, youth - you name it. Does God scold us? shame us? berate us? reject us? condemn us? NO! He reveals His name. It's a Gospel name! Mercy, grace, and faithfulness!

Jesus demonstrates this love by dying on the cross for you. Palm Sunday announced it. Maundy Thursday delivers it through Christ's true body and blood. Good Friday shows it. Easter Sunday celebrates it! Jesus saves from darkness and dread, from the devil, and from our last enemy - death. What's in a name? If we're talking about Yahweh, then that's easy. What's in the name of Yahweh? Absolutely everything!

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