The Only Name You Need

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson received plenty of coverage on last night’s NCAA Championship game with the anniversary of their classic game. Recently, I saw an interview where Magic Johnson was talking with LeBron James about the young man’s success in the league. The conversation eventually turned to former players who did so well in competition that they were simply known by one name or nickname. Athletes like MJ, Tiger, Junior, Kobe, Sweetness, Shaq, Magic, Dr. J, and now LeBron. James was honored to be considered part of such high athletic royalty, and he hopes that he will be around to see the next one-named guy come on the scene.

God’s Word is filled with one-named guys. Moses, Noah, Joseph and many more. But there is one name that stands above all other names, and, at this name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that HE is Lord. At His name people were healed and lives were changed. Throughout history, many men and women have endangered or given their lives for His name’s sake. That name above all names is Jesus — the One we celebrate every day and remember with great reverence during this Holy week.

None of these great athletes who attained one-name status ever came close to what the Man with the greatest name on earth has achieved for us. It is in His name we pray. We don’t pray in the name of Kobe or MJ. No other name fits but the name of Jesus. So, as you recognize these great athletes by their one-name moniker, don’t forget the only name you will ever need to remember in the end: Jesus. Respect the others, but serve the One with the greatest name of all!