As much research as I had done, I felt totally inadequate. My wife and I arrived at one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Snow-capped peaks, plunging waterfalls, glassy pristine lakes, groves of majestic trees and much more awaited our exploration. My hiking app offered nearly 800 miles’ worth of trails from which to choose, but I could only pick a few because we were there for a measly 72 hours. Yes, I know – poor planning!
A similar but far heavier feeling of inadequacy accompanies this issue of Truth & Tidings. Of the many dozens of titles for Christ in the New Testament, we have been forced to choose a small handful. Many could be explored (and indeed have been) with sizable books numbering in the hundreds of pages. Some of them sit upon my shelves and are now heavily worn. But alas, we have less than 30 pages to say a little something about each of these beautiful names of our Savior found in Matthew through Revelation.
Our authors have done a brilliant job of getting to the heart of each title’s meaning, fleshing them out within their original context and even tracing certain themes/titles through both Testaments with an economy of words.
We have chosen names which emphasize our Savior’s deity (Son of God, Son of the Blessed), humanity (Jesus, Son of Mary), dignity (Lord Jesus Christ), eternality (The First and the Last), authority (Lord, Son of Man, Head of the Church), supremacy (Firstborn, King of Kings and Lord of Lords), royalty (Son of David), activity (Great High Priest, Advocate, Mediator, Shepherd and Overseer of Your Souls), fidelity (Author and Finisher of Faith, The Amen, Faithful and True Witness), security (Chief Cornerstone), totality (The Alpha and the Omega), and the One who secured our liberty (Redeemer, Lamb of God). Other titles emphasize multiple themes surrounding the person and work of Christ and are expounded capably throughout this issue.
When my wife and I left that park after just three days, we felt that there was so much more to see. And the likelihood is that we will never be back in this life to witness more of its beauty. But we were indeed grateful, impressed and, at times, overwhelmed with wonder by what we were privileged to behold. In this life also, we will be able to appreciate only so much about the glories of our Savior. The earthly restriction of time and the distractions of the world and the flesh affect us all. Thankfully, in the ages to come, with all limitations removed, we will have unfolded to us the exceeding riches of God’s grace, including delightful commentary on each of our Lord’s marvelous names.
It is our prayer that these brief meditations on the titles of Christ in the New Testament will at least give us a little foretaste of the Emmaus-style expositions which await us in glory.
