Advent - "Z" - "Zenith"

December 25, 2011

"The“Because He stooped so low, God has exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

When I was little we would come home from school and lie in front of our Zenith console radio to listen to some exciting shows – “Superman,” “Tom Mix,” “I Love a Mystery,” “Stella Dallas,” etc. At that time I didn’t know the meaning of the word or its implications, but I just thought “Zenith” was the name of our radio. The Zenith company knew what the word meant and by using that name was inferring that their product was the top of the line.

Since that time long ago the Zenith name and product have become archaic, and also since that time I have learned its meaning, and although I never use the word, except today when I needed a word beginning with “Z” to end my Twenty Six Days of Advent. As I thought about the word “Zenith” I began to see it is very appropriate to apply to Jesus and Who He is. Zenith means all that Jesus is – every superlative applies.

Even before He came to earth He was already the El Elyon, “the God most high” - “the King of kings, the strongest Strong One, the Maker of heaven and earth.” He was (and is) El Shaddai, “the Almighty all sufficient God.” He was Adonai – “Lord, Master, Sovereign.” He already was El Roi –“the God Who sees.” He was Elohim – “the faithful, covenant keeping God,” He will never fail!

When Jesus came to earth, He came as Jehovah – “our Savior” Who is “the self-existent One Who reveals Himself.” Jesus came with all the redemptive names of Jehovah (which means Savior). Even His name is above all names, it is the Zenith of names (Phil.2:9-11). At this blessed day, let’s meditate on this Name of names. This precious baby had within His DNA all these attributes, because He was Jehovah God!

Jesus is Jehovah-Rohi – “our Shepherd Who is our guide, provider, friend, protector, and deliverer” (Psalm 23).

Jesus is Jehovah-Shalom – “our Peace, the Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6), this peace the world did not give and it cannot take away – Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus.

Jesus is Jehovah-Tsidkenu – “Our Righteousness” (Jer.33:16). We become righteous by no other name.

Jesus is Jehovah-M’Kaddish – “The Lord Who sanctifies you” (Lev.20:7-8). He is the only One Who can wash us from our sins and set us apart for only His service.

Jesus is Jehovah-Jireh – “Our Provider” – He provides our needs, spirit, soul, and body (Genesis 22:14).

Jesus is Jehovah-Ropha – “My Healer” – (Exodus 15:26 & Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus is Jehovah-Nissi – “My Banner of victory” – (Exodus 17:15). He causes us to triumph in all things in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 2:14).

Jesus is Jehovah-Shammah – “God is there” (Jeremiah 42:11). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus is Jehovah-Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24). He is the One Who will the lead the armies of the Lord against our enemy, Satan, and all his powers of darkness.

When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He began His climb to the zenith of His purpose for coming – the Cross and the salvation it brought to mankind. Wouldn’t you agree that Jesus is the Zenith, the top of the line, the apex of any human who ever lived, or any god who was ever worshipped?

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – there’s just something about that name.
Master, Sovereign, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – let all heaven proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.”
(Bill and Gloria Gaither)

Because of Him we can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!!