Sometimes when we face danger, we say Save Me Lord. Sometimes, even those who do not believe in Christ Jesus when faced with sudden crises, shout the name of Christ Jesus. We call on the Lord’s name to invoke his power to save us from the danger. Whenever we call on the Lord’s name, we acknowledge him to be superior to us because his name is above all names.
Philippians 2: 9-10 say therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. In spite of this, some say there are other powers. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Satan disguises himself in many forms. We pray that the Holy Spirit will enable us to clarify this thorny subject to God’s glory and honour.
Who can save?
Acts 4: 12 says there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. This name was affirmed at Jesus’ baptism as written in Matthew 17:5, this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. John 6:40 says for this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
God saves through Christ Jesus for our physical and spiritual needs. Romans 14: 11 says as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. So, biblically we rightfully can invoke the name of Christ Jesus when we need help beyond our strength because he saves.
How does Jesus save?
When Jesus invited Peter to join him whilst walking on the sea, Peter when he saw the wind got frightened, and beginning to sink he cried aloud as recorded in Matthew 14: 30, Lord, save me. In the journey of life, the winds of change may cause us to sink from our position at any time. In that moment, just as Peter did, we needed to shout to Jesus, Lord, save me. Peter called Jesus for a physical need.
The dying thief on the cross when he realized who Jesus was said in his moments before death in Luke 23: 42, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He invited Jesus who was superior to him to save his soul so he could join Christ in his kingdom. He believed in life after death from earth. He was mindful of his soul rather than his physical state on the cross when the winds of change blew. Jesus replied in Luke 22: 43 truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Here, Jesus saved spiritually.
How long does it take Jesus to save?
God decides on the response time. However, in both instances of Peter and the thief, Jesus’ responses were swift and positive. In the cases of the ruler’s daughter (Mark 5: 35-42) and Lazarus of Bethany (John 11: 11-44), Jesus’ response was delayed; nonetheless the dead were instantly restored to life when Jesus was at the scene. All who call on Christ Jesus receive their desired reliefs.
Matthew 8: 16 says that evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. Jesus saves every situation any moment with finality but with a condition. He said in John 5: 14 see, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you. 1 Corinthians 15: 34 says come to your right mind, and sin no more. We will lose his saving grace if we embrace sin any time Jesus saves us from trying times.
Can Jesus save all situations?
Stephen whilst being stoned to death, prayed in Acts 7: 59 saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Stephen knew his wind of change would not be reversed so like the thief on the cross, he rather needed strength to endure till the end from Jesus to Christ Jesus saved their souls by their faith in God. However, in a changeable situation, the disciples woke up Jesus in the boat and said to him in Matthew 8: 25 save, Lord; we are perishing. Mark 4: 38 says teacher, do you not care if we perish? Luke 8: 24 says Master, Master, we are perishing. Jesus saves all situations but in different forms.
1 Peter 5: 7 says cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. This refers to ALL and not some of our anxieties or needs based on the authority he has from God. Matthew 28:18 says all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. This suggests that Jesus Christ has a higher authority to save. There is no situation beyond what Jesus can do. Where is our faith?
When must we call Jesus Christ?
Some winds of change are not reversible whilst some are devastating. Therefore we must court a relationship with Jesus in order that we can easily access him when the time comes. Some winds are also irreversible so we must call him to secure our souls now before it strikes. Psalms 50:15 says call upon me on the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me. Romans 10:13 says for, everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
We can call on Jesus if we believe in him. Acts 16:31 says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be save, and thy household. We must truthfully confess our challenges to him as we know it. Psalms 66: 18 says if I cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. We must invite God to intervene through Christ Jesus. We must vacate our shortcomings as Jesus wants. We do this by reading his word, believing what he says, practicing what he says, seeking his grace to live aright and prioritizing God’s will in all circumstances. God is ready to save us now if we do these.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we acknowledge you as the savior of our lives and situations. In our perplexing moments we hear our calls. Keep us away from anything which will obstruct our call to you or favour from you. Let your saving hand be upon our lives and to preserve us and our circumstances in you. We humbly pray in your holy name, Amen!!
