PATHWAYS (Writing a Worship Service)

(#7) The Savior'S Names

"Extolling his name" is a central part of what our worship is.

The names of God, and the names of Jesus can also help us organize a time of worship. But which name(s) do we use? How do we combine them? What do we do with each one?

What's in a "NAME"?

1. Think of "name" very broadly.
not just as the verbal definition, but all the actions and the sort of character associated with it. Think also of Scripture's many "pictures", whether or not they are used as formal titles.

2. Use Scripture to develop the names.
Follow the ways Scripture itself uses these names, etc. Which actions of the Shepherd, which characteristics of a "rock", does Scripture associate with Jesus? We may be subtly tempted to draw on our ideas of what a rock is like, or what a shepherd does, without testing them against the Word. The best safeguard against this is to include Scripture itself in our planning. (These Scriptures may be read, used to shape prayers or remarks, or reflected in the songs we use.)

3. Ask, "How central is this name?"
Beware of too much focus on a "lesser" title. Rather, relate the rare name or image to more "central" one. This can prevent stressing a feature Scripture itself does not. (Conversely, do not always use just a handful of "central" names, but add in lesser known, neglected ones.)

WHICH NAME(S)? (Ideas)

Use a set of names from one passage or book:

• list of Messianic titles in Isaiah 9
• two or more of the "I AM's" of John's gospel

Focus on one major name/title/"office"

• Describe how he carries out one office(Prophet, Priest, King)
  *as High Priest: sacrifices, intercedes,
    blesses, reflects God's glory (clothes)
  *acts as a wise king, a mighty,
  just & merciful king
    (illustrate with specific acts, stories)

  Immanuel ("God with us") -describe how he is "with us"

One central name/idea but using several related names

• Savior, redeemer, deliverer, warrior
• an image: rock, fortress, tower, shield, strength (Psalms)
• a "core" title and "subtitles"
  King (Ruler, etc.)--> Shepherd, Warrior, Lawgiver, Judge

Focus on one "activity" through the lens of various titles.

• he speaks:
  teaches (lawgiver, prophet, priests)
  decrees -'speaks and it is so!' (King)
  heals and blesses (priest, king)

  at the throne

  as priest -sacrifice and intercede;

  as king -reigning (seated at God's right hand);

  as prophet (royal messenger)

  -stands in God's court, brings message/word of the King

"Contrast" or show the breadth/variety

• as Judge of the wicked, and justifier of the ungodly (merciful)
• as God-man, 'divine' and 'human' ("son of man" and "Son of God")
• holy One, made "sin"/a "curse"
• mighty King vs. 'servant'

**This last category reminds us of the importance of not being one-sided in our selection of titles. Drawing a "full picture" means reflecting the breadth or variety of the revelation. and the whole story.

WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

At times it may be useful simply to "heap up" a number of titles. That itself may make a powerful impression. Yet even here, clustering names with "relatives" and organizing the list so that there is a sense of "going somewhere" can enhance the power of the names, for it focuses us more on what they mean. Haphazard lists are hard to follow, and make it difficult to think about or respond to what is being said or sung.

The need to "flesh out" the names is suggested by the lists above. But there are many ways the significance of the names can shape and enrich our worship.

For instance, to draw the contrast between the Son as the glorious King and as the humble servant is to tell the story of his incarnation. It may even help to draw the names/titles from one passage that "tells the story" (e.g. Phlp 2, Hebrews 2). Remember too that the contrast, and the story, goes further:
'form of God' - man/'form of servant. . to death - highest name
Thus we have, first, the story of his humiliation, then that of his exaltation ("suffering and glory"). Both are part of the whole story and the whole picture of Christ.

Thus, the use of titles may be an effective way of focusing our attention as we retell and celebrate "the story". This connection between name and story is a natural one. From the beginning the "revelation of God's name" is connected with what he does (Ex 6:1-3, 34:1-6) to make himself known, with special emphasis on what he does to save!

Another example of connecting title and story: The name "Immanuel" as a name for Jesus might be clarified by setting it in the context of other Scriptures that speak of how God is with his people. In other words, use the larger 'Immanuel-theme, coming to focus on Christ.
Building against the storyline of Scripture might produce something like this: