Name a Child Messiah
The question of naming a child “Messiah” was addressed in a legal custody case that received national attention. On Aug. 8, 2013, Jaleesa Martin of Newport, Tenn. appealed to a local judge to settle a dispute over the last name of her child, Messiah DeShawn Martin. This appeal was part of a custody support battle with her child’s father. The child’s father requested to change his son’s last name to carry his name, McCullough, but his mother rejected that.
Lu Ann Ballew, child Support Magistrate ruled in favor of the father, and added: The parents have to legally change the 7-month-old’s name to Martin DeShawn McCullough. Judge Ballew told local TV station WBIR, “The word Messiah is a title and it’s a title that has only been earned by one person and that one person is Jesus Christ.” The Judge presented a very strong argument in this matter for only Jesus Christ is worthy of that title. No other man on earth is qualified to bear it.
The word Messiah comes from the Hebrew word mashiach which means “anointed one” or “chosen one.” The Greek equivalent is the word Christos or Christ in the English language. The Old Testament predicted a coming of the Savior to redeem Israel (Isaiah 42:1; 61:1–3). This Deliverer, the Jews called the Messiah. Jesus of Nazareth was that prophesied Messiah (Luke 4:17–21; John 4:25–26).
Jesus the Messiah fulfilled His role perfectly. He fulfilled the role of Prophet when he preached the truth (John 1-18). He fulfilled the role of a Priest when He atoned for our sin (Hebrews 2:17;4:14). And he fulfilled the role of a King when he received from the Father full authority over all (John 18:36; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Revelation 19:16).
Therefore, John the Revelator declares, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12). Jesus’ worthiness refers to His supreme and ultimate victory over all the powers of evil.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
