The noting of those little incidentals by which Divine providence prepared for our Savior's birth and for the sending forth of the Gospel message, is strengthening to the faith of the Lord's people. Realizing God's care in the past over even the little things, gives a foundation for confidence in His wisdom and provision for the features of His Plan which are yet future—the fulfillment of all the exceeding great and precious promises which centered in Him who was born in Bethlehem. And so also a realization of the Divine providence in the larger affairs of the Divine Plan stimulates faith also in the Lord's providences as respects the personal and more private affairs of His people.
Names given to Biblical characters, etc., are significant of the character, work, office, experience and typical relations of the person or thing involved. This accounts for the name selected for the Messiah by God. Jesus is the Latin word for the Hebrew word Joshua, or Jeshua (Jehovah is salvation), and signifies the office work of our Lord. His people are all that in this and the next Age approach God by Him. The race is under the condemnation, power and effects of sin. His merit, now imputed on behalf of the consecrated, delivers them from the condemnation of sin. By the Lord's Spirit, Word and providence, He gradually delivers them from the power or rulership of sin, and ultimately in the resurrection will deliver them from all the effects of sin. Later, by the application of His merit, He will deliver the world from the condemnation of sin; and by His Priestly, Mediatorial, Kingly, Legislative, Judicial, Prophetic and Paternal office, will deliver all who obediently become His people from the power and effects of sin. Hallelujah, what a Savior! He is mighty to save!
Gen. 49:18; Job 33:23, 24; Psa. 72:4, 12-14, 17; 80:17; 89:19; Isa. 28:16; 40:10, 11; 42:6, 7; 53:10-12; 62:11; Zech. 9:9; Matt. 15:24; 18:11-13; Luke 1:68-77; 2:11, 30-34; Acts 16:31; Rom. 3:24-26.
