

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
My Grandma would have said George Garratt of England is a "nice looking boy." She might even have gone further and run the risk of saying that "He seems like a nice person. He certainly has very nice manners."
I think Grandma's opinion would have reversed itself if I had told her that "George Garratt isn't really his name. He had it changed."
"And what is his name now?" Grandma would have asked.
I would have said, "Grandma, his name is Captain Fantastic Faster Than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine Hulk And The Flash Combined."
Grandma would have snorted and said: "That's not a name."
To that, I would have told her, "It's the longest name in the world."
When Grandma asked, "Why would he do that?" I would have quoted the young man.
He said, "I want to be unique."
The young man doesn't understand. A new and silly name doesn't make him unique. He is a sinner like everyone else; he is worthy of God's punishment like everyone else. He needs a Savior like everyone else. If He is ever to be forgiven it will only be because of the sacrifice and death of the Son of God.
Nope, Captain Fantastic Faster Than Superman Spiderman Batman Wolverine Hulk And The Flash Combined is going to have to do a lot more than string together a list of superhero names if he's going to be unique.
For example, he might try living a perfect life. There aren't many people who can get through a day without some major sins, so if he could do it for his entire life, well, that would certainly make him unique. Or he could be crucified and murdered by a Roman execution squad. Wait, that wouldn't be unique. How about this: Let's have him murdered by a Roman execution squad and then, three days after he dies, come back to life. Now that would be unique.
So unique only Jesus could do it. This is why there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Jesus is unique. He is our Savior, Redeemer, Brother, Friend.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am a common sinner in need of forgiveness. Bring me to the cross so I may see the grace of my most unique Savior. In His Name I pray. In Him I am saved. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 14-16 Luke 5:1-16
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