Charles Wesley - Jesus! The Name High Over Lyrics

Jesus! The Name High Over Video

Jesus! The Name High Over Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Jesus! The Name High Over

Introduction:

The song "Jesus! The Name High Over" was written by Charles Wesley, an English Methodist preacher and hymn writer. Wesley wrote over 6,500 hymns during his lifetime, and this particular song is one of his most popular and widely sung compositions.

Key Messages of the Song:

1. The Majesty and Power of the Name of Jesus:

The opening lines of the song immediately present Jesus as a name that is revered and feared by angels, men, and even devils. The mention of the name of Jesus is said to cause fear in the hearts of demons, and they flee from it. This highlights the power and authority associated with the name of Jesus, emphasizing his divine nature and the ability to overcome evil.

2. Jesus as the Savior of Sinners:

The second verse of the song focuses on the redemptive work of Jesus and the impact it has on sinners. The name of Jesus is referred to as dear to sinners, as it brings forgiveness and freedom from guilt. It is described as turning their "hell to heaven," illustrating the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

3. Jesus as the Liberator and Life-Giver:

The third verse of the song suggests that the name of Jesus has the ability to break the chains of prisoners and crush the power of Satan. This imagery portrays Jesus as a liberator and emphasizes his victory over sin and death. The name of Jesus is also associated with speaking power and life into the souls of the weak and dead, highlighting his role as the source of spiritual strength and eternal life.

4. The Desire for All to Experience God's Grace:

The fourth verse expresses the desire for the world to taste and see the riches of God's grace, which are made available through Jesus. The love and arms of Jesus are portrayed as encompassing all of humanity, with the hope that everyone would embrace the salvation offered by him. This verse reflects the universal nature of God's love and the invitation for all to come to Jesus and experience his saving grace.

5. Proclaiming the Righteousness and Truth of Jesus:

The fifth verse of the song underscores the role of the singer as a witness and proclaimer of Jesus' righteousness and saving truth. The lyrics suggest that it is the purpose of the singer's life to showcase the righteousness of Jesus and to declare his redemptive work. The phrase "Behold the Lamb" echoes the words of John the Baptist when he pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

6. The Desire to Proclaim Jesus Until the End:

In the final verse of the song, the singer expresses the desire to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus until their last breath. The lyrics emphasize the urgency and importance of sharing the message of Jesus with others, even in the face of death. This verse highlights the dedication and passion of the singer to fulfill their mission of preaching and proclaiming Jesus to all.

Meaning and Inspiration:

The song "Jesus! The Name High Over" is a powerful hymn that celebrates the name and person of Jesus Christ. The lyrics convey a deep reverence for Jesus' authority, redemptive work, and ability to bring salvation to sinners. The song is a declaration of faith in Jesus as the Savior and a call to others to behold and embrace him.

The inspiration behind the song is likely rooted in Charles Wesley's personal relationship with Jesus and his understanding of the biblical teachings regarding the name of Jesus. Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the Methodist revival, which emphasized personal conversion, holiness, and the power of Jesus' name to transform lives. The song reflects Wesley's passion for spreading the message of Jesus and his desire for all to experience the saving grace found in him.

Biblical Analysis:

In critically analyzing the biblical foundation of the song, it is evident that the lyrics align with the teachings of the Bible regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. The key messages of the song, such as the power and authority of Jesus' name, his role as the Savior of sinners, and his ability to bring liberation and eternal life, are firmly rooted in biblical truths.

1. The Power and Authority of Jesus' Name:

The Bible affirms the power and authority associated with the name of Jesus. In Philippians 2:9-11, it states, "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage confirms the fear and reverence that the name of Jesus evokes in all beings.

2. Jesus as the Savior of Sinners:

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes Jesus' role as the Savior of sinners. In Luke 19:10, Jesus himself declares, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." The apostle Paul also writes in 1 Timothy 1:15, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." The lyrics of the song align with these biblical truths, highlighting the redemptive work of Jesus and his ability to forgive and transform sinners.

3. Jesus as the Liberator and Life-Giver:

The Bible teaches that through his death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin and death, liberating believers from its power. In Colossians 2:13-15, Paul writes, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." This passage reinforces the idea of Jesus' victory and his ability to grant new life to believers.

4. The Universal Invitation to Experience God's Grace:

The Bible consistently presents the invitation for all to come to Jesus and experience God's grace. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." The apostle Peter also affirms in Acts 2:21, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." The lyrics of the song reflect this universal invitation and the desire for all to taste and see the riches of God's grace through Jesus.

5. Proclaiming Jesus' Righteousness and Truth:

The Bible encourages believers to proclaim the righteousness and truth of Jesus. In Romans 1:16, Paul declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The apostles also testified to Jesus' righteousness and redemptive work in their preaching and writings. The song's emphasis on proclaiming Jesus as the Lamb of God aligns with the biblical mandate to share the good news of salvation.

Conclusion:

"Jesus! The Name High Over" is a powerful hymn that proclaims the majesty, power, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The song's lyrics reflect biblical truths regarding the authority of Jesus' name, his role as the Savior of sinners, his ability to bring liberation and eternal life, and the universal invitation to experience God's grace through him. The biblical foundation of the song is evident, as it aligns with numerous passages that affirm the teachings and claims of Jesus. As believers sing this hymn, they are reminded of the greatness of Jesus' name and are inspired to share the message of his salvation with others.