God is transcendent, and He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). It’s impossible for us to see Him, much less draw near to Him, apart from Jesus. Jesus is God’s mirror, and He came to earth to reveal God to man.
The apostle John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14 ESV).
John is the only New Testament author to call Jesus “the Word”—Logos in Greek. The Word has always existed, even before the heavens and the earth were created. John tells us that Jesus, the Word, is God. He became a man so we could see …
God is transcendent, and He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim. 6:16). It’s impossible for us to see Him, much less draw near to Him, apart from Jesus. Jesus is God’s mirror, and He came to earth to reveal God to man.
The apostle John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14 ESV).
John is the only New Testament author to call Jesus “the Word”—Logos in Greek. The Word has always existed, even before the heavens and the earth were created. John tells us that Jesus, the Word, is God. He became a man so we could see what God is like. He took on human flesh so God could be revealed to mankind.
Jesus is the physical manifestation of God the Father. He is the expression of the Father’s thoughts, the Father’s heart, and the Father’s will. Jesus makes the invisible God visible. He makes the unknown God knowable.
He is also the means of communication between God and man. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6 ESV). Through Jesus, the transcendent, invisible, unknowable God draws near to us . . .
Jesus reveals the way to the Father. He is God’s final Word. He has spoken. Are we listening? Are we filling our minds with the world’s novels, television programs, and music, or are we filling our minds with Jesus, the Word of God?
Because of Jesus, the Logos, we can know the Father. But we will never know the will of God, the thoughts of God, the mind of God, or the heart of God any better than we know His Son. If you want to know God, you must know Jesus. If you want direction for your life, listen to Jesus. Let Him speak to you through His Word.
His Name Is Beautiful Because His Is Wonderful
For centuries, the name of Jesus—or more accurately, the names of Jesus—have provided abundant fodder for hymn writers and rich content for worshipers all over the world. What traditional Easter service is complete without a rousing chorus of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”? In singing, we learn that “His Name Is Wonderful” and the “Name Above All Names.” One hymn writer believed that Jesus was the sweetest name she knew, while another marveled at “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.”
Our adoration grows as we sing about the specific names of Jesus. Think about the Handel’s Messiah: can you hear the joyful strains of “King of kings . . . and Lord of lords . . . Wonderful! Counselor! The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”? How about “Emmanuel,” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” and “Man of Sorrows! What a Name …
For centuries, the name of Jesus—or more accurately, the names of Jesus—have provided abundant fodder for hymn writers and rich content for worshipers all over the world. What traditional Easter service is complete without a rousing chorus of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”? In singing, we learn that “His Name Is Wonderful” and the “Name Above All Names.” One hymn writer believed that Jesus was the sweetest name she knew, while another marveled at “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.”
Our adoration grows as we sing about the specific names of Jesus. Think about the Handel’s Messiah: can you hear the joyful strains of “King of kings . . . and Lord of lords . . . Wonderful! Counselor! The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”? How about “Emmanuel,” “The King of Love My Shepherd Is,” and “Man of Sorrows! What a Name . . . Hallelujah, what a Savior.”
“There’s Something About That Name,” isn’t there?
But have you stopped to consider why the name of Jesus is so praiseworthy, so full of beauty, that we write and sing entire songs just about His name? Most Americans admire historical figures like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, and those men might have songs written about them, but it’s unlikely that anyone goes to elaborate lengths to “praise the name of George” or sings that “Abraham is the sweetest name I know.”
Why do Christians praise the name of Jesus? What’s so beautiful about His name? Simply stated, the name of Jesus is different from any other name under (or in!) heaven.
As humans, we name people for the sake of convention—to tell us who a person is. Jesus is entirely different. His names tell us who He is, but also much more:
• His names tell us what He is. Son of God. Son of Man. The Word. The Truth.
• His names tell us how He is.Wonderful Counselor. Good Shepherd. Friend of Sinners. Servant.
• His names tell us what He’s done. Immanuel. Savior. Messiah. Redeemer.
• His names tell us what He is doing and what He will do. Resurrection and the Life. Advocate. Bridegroom. Great High Priest.
When your name was chosen, perhaps it was because your parents liked how it sounded. Maybe you were named after a much-loved relative. They might have researched the name’s meaning and chosen it in the hopes that you would one day exemplify that meaning. But each of those reasons is subjective, based on human perception, or a wish for what may—or may not—come to pass.
Not so with the name of Jesus. Everything about His name was, is, and always will be true. Jesus’ names are a sure thing that God, in His kindness, chose to reveal to us.
Pastor John Piper put it this way: “There is power in Christ’s name because there is power in Christ’s person.” That’s the astonishing beauty of the name of Jesus: He is His name.
So we take shelter in Mighty God. We find comfort in the Prince of Peace. We build our lives on the Chief Cornerstone. We follow Christ our Captain. We feast on the Bread of Life. We owe all we are to the great I Am. Because of who He is.
Because His name is Jesus.
Our Favorite Names
Revive Our Hearts staff members reflect on their favorite names for Jesus.
Yamell Jaramillo
Job: Content Manager for Aviva Nuestro Corazones
Current Favorite Name of Jesus: “Mighty God”
This year has been a challenge for us as a family—through many changes and many trials, we have seen the power of the Lord working in our favor in ways that only He can do, opening doors that no one can. That has made me taste and see that it was His power that has done all these things; it’s reassured us He is the one leading our paths.
Bryan VanHaitsma
Job: Digital Media Director for Revive Our Hearts
Current Favorite Name of Jesus: “King”
This name of Jesus is meaningful to me because, first, it reminds me that Jesus is in control. He's the one who gets to call the shots; we are just His servants. Second, it reminds me that …
Revive Our Hearts staff members reflect on their favorite names for Jesus.
Yamell Jaramillo
Job: Content Manager for Aviva Nuestro Corazones
Current Favorite Name of Jesus: “Mighty God”
This year has been a challenge for us as a family—through many changes and many trials, we have seen the power of the Lord working in our favor in ways that only He can do, opening doors that no one can. That has made me taste and see that it was His power that has done all these things; it’s reassured us He is the one leading our paths.
Bryan VanHaitsma
Job: Digital Media Director for Revive Our Hearts
Current Favorite Name of Jesus: “King”
This name of Jesus is meaningful to me because, first, it reminds me that Jesus is in control. He's the one who gets to call the shots; we are just His servants. Second, it reminds me that a King has a kingdom. We live in His realm which He is in the process of recapturing from the enemy. One day, His will and His dominion will cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.
Diane Weitzman
Job: Oregon Area Ambassador for Revive Our Hearts
Current Favorite Name of Jesus: “Immanuel, God With Us”
Everything flows out of the very presence of God! The knowledge of His constant presence helps keep my eyes on Him more than my circumstances, fears, and sorrows. As I seek and experience His presence daily, I get to experience great joy (Psalm 16:11). God with me means I am never left to my own resources; my God is always available to help me, direct my steps, and bring His peace to my heart.
Two Women. Two Continents. One Name.
If you held a globe in your hands, palms on both sides, you’d likely touch the two continents where Yadira Gorek and Neeharika Lorimer represent Revive Our Hearts as Ambassadors. These two women serve on different sides of the ocean but share a common goal: to make the name of Jesus known to women around the world.
Transformed by the Eternal Word
Neeharika (“Nicky”) Lorimer was twentyone when she told her Hindu family that she had become a Christian. The decision was costly: her family told her she would have to choose between her relationship with them or with Christ. As she agonized over the choice, God spoke to her through 1 Peter 1:24–25. “It became clear what my decision should be,” she said. “Choose Him and His Word—that is the only thing that will last forever!”
Nicky was born in India and raised in the United Kingdom. She met …
If you held a globe in your hands, palms on both sides, you’d likely touch the two continents where Yadira Gorek and Neeharika Lorimer represent Revive Our Hearts as Ambassadors. These two women serve on different sides of the ocean but share a common goal: to make the name of Jesus known to women around the world.
Transformed by the Eternal Word
Neeharika (“Nicky”) Lorimer was twentyone when she told her Hindu family that she had become a Christian. The decision was costly: her family told her she would have to choose between her relationship with them or with Christ. As she agonized over the choice, God spoke to her through 1 Peter 1:24–25. “It became clear what my decision should be,” she said. “Choose Him and His Word—that is the only thing that will last forever!”
Nicky was born in India and raised in the United Kingdom. She met her husband in Scotland, and they soon moved to South America. At the time, Nicky admits she wasn’t even aware of the primary language spoken in Brazil, her new home. Only God could have led to her becoming fluent in Portuguese and part of Aviva Nossos Corações (Revive Our Hearts in Portuguese).
I discovered ROH during a seasons when God was challenging me to lay down my own list of things to do and spend a season sitting at His feet and just soaking in His agenda. I had decided to leave my job as an economist and be a stay-at-home mom, but I struggled to be content in my new role and sought to use "busyness" as a way of maintaining my identity as a productive person.
The more Nicky listened to the podcasts, the more she felt inspired and strengthened to study and live by God’s Word. She became friends with a woman who was coordinating the translation and publication of True Woman 101 into Portuguese. They met weekly to pray for God to advance the work of ROH in Brazil—and He answered those prayers!
The True Woman 101 study is the best-known ROH resource so far, and countless women have already expressed how learning about the beauty of the differences between men and women is a blessing. The study has transformed their attitudes toward marriage and motherhood.
Women who have done the study and now listen to the podcasts are finding it freeing to be able to better understand God’s heart through His Word and to obey out of a heart of love.
“The ministry is still in its infancy,” Nicky says, “and there is so much to be done so that women can live in the fullness and fruitfulness of all God has for them through solid, grace-filled theology.” Will you pray with Nicky for God’s eternal Word to continue transforming lives in South America?
The Grace of the Great I AM
Across the Atlantic, Yadira Erchila-Gorek dreams about thousands of women throughout Europe experiencing hearts set on fire with the message of freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. She’s experienced the power of Christ’s grace firsthand.
Nine years ago Yadira witnessed God’s faithfulness during an intense season of suffering. She watched her husband fight for his life, struggle with his faith, and pass away—leaving her a widow, alone to raise two sons. During that time, God comforted her and showed her that He is the great I Am, Yahweh:
This name not only speaks to me of His greatness, His self-sufficiency, His self-existence, and His sovereignty, but also of His presence and His closeness. he is so holy, unfathomable and inscrutable, yet close and accessible. My sould finds perfect satisfaction when I remind myself of I Am. Yahweh is all I need!
Today, Yadira lives in Hannover, Germany, where she’s seen the Lord at work:
He has revived a spirit of prayer among the Spanish-speaking women in Europe. I've seen him answering years of prayers to raise up women in European countries who are willing to serve the women of their nations.
ROH German team: Annette Schorre, Sabine Ross, Yadira Gorek, and Lea Koser
From January 1–8, Yadira and three members of ROH German (Belebe unsere Herzen) visited the International Ministry Center. Nicky and two members of ROH Portuguese (Aviva Nossos Corações) arrived soon after, spending January 9–12 in Michigan. The goal of these visits was to seek the Lord together and learn more about how these international teams can continue deepening their outreach in their home countries.
God continues to raise up women who want to make Christ known in their countries. They need your prayers! Join Yadira in seeking the Lord for:
• Abundant grace upon every one of their efforts.
• Christ to reveal Himself through the Word in a way that causes women to experience true freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness.
• The Living Water to overflow into their marriages, children, and churches.
Revive Our Hearts Ambassadors Make Christ’s Name Known
Perhaps you know the scene: Joshua and the Israelites entered into battle against Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur gathered on top of a hill, where Moses held up the Lord’s staff in his hand. Whenever his hand was lifted in the air, Israel prevailed in the fighting, and whenever he let his hand down, Amalek would overcome. Moses’ hand became heavy. Aaron and Hur didn’t let him bear that weight alone.
Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword. (Ex. 17:12–13)
Leaders need others to come alongside them. Revive Our Hearts Ambassadors are women who serve behind the scenes—who “hold up the arms” of other leaders, encourage, and pray for them.
These women are passionate about making the name of …
Perhaps you know the scene: Joshua and the Israelites entered into battle against Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur gathered on top of a hill, where Moses held up the Lord’s staff in his hand. Whenever his hand was lifted in the air, Israel prevailed in the fighting, and whenever he let his hand down, Amalek would overcome. Moses’ hand became heavy. Aaron and Hur didn’t let him bear that weight alone.
Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword. (Ex. 17:12–13)
Leaders need others to come alongside them. Revive Our Hearts Ambassadors are women who serve behind the scenes—who “hold up the arms” of other leaders, encourage, and pray for them.
These women are passionate about making the name of Jesus known as revival spreads within local churches. Ministry is challenging in many ways; Ambassadors step in to help women’s ministry leaders and pastors’ wives stay the course.
Are you a leader who resonates with this calling? Become an Ambassador with Revive Our Hearts.
If you . . .
• Long to cheer other leaders on in their areas of ministry
• Have been impacted by the teaching of Revive Our Hearts
• Can commit to serving ten hours a month
• Want to spend this season of your life pouring into other leaders
• Live in the United States or Canada
. . . visit ReviveOurHearts.com/Ambassadors. We’re excited for the Lord to raise up women who will declare His name as they connect, encourage, and equip leaders to build up the Body of Christ.
Dwell on the Names of God through the Word of God
Prepare your heart to celebrate our risen Savior with this 30-day Bible reading plan, focused on the beautiful names of Jesus.
Day 1 Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.
Scripture reading: • Revelation 1:4–8 • Revelation 21:5–6
Day 2 Jesus is Lord.
Scripture reading: • John 21:1–8 • Acts 2:32–36
Day 3 Jesus is Savior.
Scripture reading: • Psalm 17:7 • Luke 1:47 • 1 Timothy 4:10
Day 4 Jesus is Redeemer.
Scripture reading: • Job 19:23–25 • Ephesians 1:3–7
Day 5 Jesus is the Son of God.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 14:22–33 • Matthew 16:13–20 • Luke 1:26–33
Day 6 Jesus is the Son of Man.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 8:18–22 • Matthew 9:1–8 • Mark 10:42–45
Day 7 Jesus is Immanuel.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 7:13–14 • Matthew 1:22–23
Day 8 Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 9:2–6
Day 9 Jesus is the Chief …
Prepare your heart to celebrate our risen Savior with this 30-day Bible reading plan, focused on the beautiful names of Jesus.
Day 1 Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.
Scripture reading: • Revelation 1:4–8 • Revelation 21:5–6
Day 2 Jesus is Lord.
Scripture reading: • John 21:1–8 • Acts 2:32–36
Day 3 Jesus is Savior.
Scripture reading: • Psalm 17:7 • Luke 1:47 • 1 Timothy 4:10
Day 4 Jesus is Redeemer.
Scripture reading: • Job 19:23–25 • Ephesians 1:3–7
Day 5 Jesus is the Son of God.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 14:22–33 • Matthew 16:13–20 • Luke 1:26–33
Day 6 Jesus is the Son of Man.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 8:18–22 • Matthew 9:1–8 • Mark 10:42–45
Day 7 Jesus is Immanuel.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 7:13–14 • Matthew 1:22–23
Day 8 Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 9:2–6
Day 9 Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone.
Scripture reading: • Psalm 118:22 • Isaiah 28:14–16 • Ephesians 2:19–22
Day 10 Jesus is I AM.
Scripture reading: • Exodus 3:14–14 • John 8:52–59
Day 11 Jesus is the Bread of Life.
Scripture reading: • John 6:22–35, 48–51
Day 12 Jesus is the Light of the World.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 4:16 • John 8:12 • Revelation 21:1, 23–24
Day 13 Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
Scripture reading: • Hebrews 12:1–2
Day 14 Jesus is the Friend of Sinners.
Scripture reading: • Matthew 11:19 • Luke 15:1–2 • John 15:12–17
Day 15 Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
Scripture reading: • Ezekiel 34:1–10 • John 10:10–16 • Revelation 7:15–17
Day 16 Jesus is the Truth.
Scripture reading: • John 14:1–6 • John 18:37–38
Day 17 Jesus is the Word.
Scripture reading: • Psalm 119:105 • John 1:1–3, 14 • Hebrews 1:1–3
Day 18 Jesus is the Lion.
Scripture reading: • Genesis 49:8–12 • Joel 3:16 • Revelation 5:5
Day 19 Jesus is the Lamb of God.
Scripture reading: • John 1:29 • 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 • Revelation 5:12–14
Day 20 Jesus is King of kings.
Scripture reading: • 1 Timothy 6:12–15 • Revelation 19:11–16
Day 21 Jesus is the Man of Sorrows.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 53:1–5 • Matthew 8:14–17
Day 22 Jesus is Redeemer.
Scripture reading: • Job 19:25 • Psalm 19:14 • Isaiah 48:17 • Isaiah 63:16
Day 23 Jesus is the Lord of Hosts/Armies.
Scripture reading: • Isaiah 44:6–8 • Jeremiah 50:33–34 • Revelation 20:7–10
Day 24 Jesus is the Head.
Scripture reading: • Ephesians 1:15–23 • Ephesians 5:22–24 • Colossians 1:15–20 • Colossians 2:9–10
Day 25 Jesus is our Advocate.
Scripture reading: • 1 John 2:1–6 • Romans 8:31–38
Day 26 Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.
Scripture reading: • John 11:25–26 • John 17:1–5 • 1 Peter 1:3–9
Day 27 Jesus is the Great High Priest.
Scripture reading: • Hebrews 2:14–18 • Hebrews 4:14–16
Day 28 Jesus is the True Vine.
Scripture reading: • John 15:1–11
Day 29 Jesus is the Bright Morning Star.
Scripture reading: • Revelation 22:16
Day 30 Jesus is the Amen.
Scripture reading: • 2 Corinthians 1:20 • Revelation 3:14
