January 7

For my name is in him.—Exodus 23:21.

IT is quite clear that the Angel spoken of in this passage was none other than the blessed Son of God. We do not see how the language would at all apply to any inferior intelligence. To Jesus the passage obviously belongs. God’s name in all its glory and divinity, God’s essential name, Jehovah, is repeatedly applied to Christ. (compare Exodus 17:7. with 1 Corinthians 10:9.) Isaiah beheld “Jehovah of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5.) which, from John 12:39, was none other than the Redeemer. So again, he cries out “prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert, a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3, 9, 10. also Luke 3:4.) Jeremiah also predicting Messiah's advent and reign, says "And this is the name whereby he shall be called, the LORD our Righteousness." (Jeremiah 23:5, 6. see also xxxiii. 15. 16.) The glorious and divine name of God is also in Christ. The Father addressing his Son, says "thy throne O God is for ever and ever!" (Psalms 45:6. Hebrews 1:8.) So also by the mouth of Isaiah he says "Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth; for I am GOD, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22.) "Indeed he is called the living and true God" (1 John 5:20.) "The great and mighty God" (Isaiah 9:6. Titus 2:13.) "The only wise God" (Jude iv. 25.) "The God of glory." (Acts 7:2.) "God over all, blessed for ever." (Romans 9:5.) It is quite clear, that in the holy scriptures the most illustrious names of God are in Christ. And that it is expected we should honour the Son, even as we honour the Father. He is not to have an inferior place in our estimation and confidence, and love; but we are to esteem, trust, and supremely to love Christ, as our Lord and our God. What glory does his divinity shed around the redeeming plan! What solid ground of hope, it places before the anxious enquiring sinner, and what motives of joy and triumph does it furnish to all his believing people.