I’m not a name-dropper – that is, using the names of important people to enhance my status, but I have discovered that sometimes it really isn’t what you know but who you know that makes a difference. Sometimes it helps to have the right connections.
If you want to have an audience with God the Father, you have to have the right connection. In this case, it really isn’t what you know, but who you know that makes the difference. And the person to know is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
In Ephesians 5:20 it says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” You see, when you come to God the Father – even to give Him thanks – the only thing that opens the door and gives you entrée is the name of Jesus Christ.
My brother was looking for a favor from the General. Phil was serving in an Airborne Ranger unit in Viet Nam, and the General’s son was in his unit and had become his friend. So Phil began the conversation by saying, “General, I need to ask you for a favor, and your son Jeff told me to give you a call.” Immediately the General was all ears, and Phil received the favor he was requesting.
Now that’s the way it is with us when we approach God – NOT just because God loves his Son and delights to honor His name, BUT because His Son paid the penalty for our sin and made it possible for us to even come before God.
“In the name of Jesus” doesn’t mean that we simply tack His name on the end of a prayer. Rather, it means that we are claiming our relationship with God’s Son as the basis for our request. God’s ears are open unto all who come before Him in the name of His Son. “In the name of Jesus” means that you know Him as your Savior and that you honor Him as your Lord. So when you give thanks, do it unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Say! Don’t ever try to come to God on your own. Sinners without Jesus’ name are not welcome in His presence.