As we gathered in worship this past Sunday, we sang the song “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong (lyrics below). As we sang those words, i was reminded of a glorious confession of truth that we would all do well to embrace.

The lyricists write: 

Death could not hold You, The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave….
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

More often than not, we think of those words in light of Christ’s bodily resurrection on Easter morning. And there is no question that should cause us to rejoice. But there was reason for rejoicing even before that occurred. When Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30 NLT), He also said, “Father, I entrust My spirit into Your hands” (Luke 23:46 NLT). Let us not forget that Jesus was as much man as if He was not God at all. At the moment of His death, His soul and spirit immediately departed from His physical body – which is the exact same thing that will occur for you and me at the moment of our deaths (if Jesus doesn’t return before then). 

We would do well to remember that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who had at great personal risk to themselves made the burial arrangements, did not lay Jesus in the tomb. They were laying His dead body in the tomb. Jesus Himself was not there. As a matter of fact, the apostle Peter tells us that Jesus was actually very busy while His body was laying in that tomb. 

Jesus’ spirit entered into Hades and proclaimed His victory over Satan and his evil spirits (1 Peter 3:19). Then, Paul writes in fulfillment of the prophecy – “You ascended on high, leading a host of captives in Your train…” (Psalm 68:18 ESV), Jesus gathered all the redeemed who had been awaiting His completed work on the cross and took them from paradise to their permanent dwelling in heaven (Ephesians 4:8). That long train of saints who He led into heaven would have included Abraham, Joshua, Rahab, Ruth, David, Esther, Daniel, and a host of others who had previously been justified by their faith. On that great day, their faith had now become sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Meanwhile, on the earth, no one, even those closest to Jesus, could fully grasp all that had happened, let alone what was taking place at that moment, or what was about to take place. In the spiritual realm, there was already great rejoicing among the saints and great sorrow among the demons. Whereas on earth, there was great rejoicing among the enemies of Jesus, and great sorrow among His family and followers. 

Though He had foretold that He would rise again, not one of His family or followers seemed to be watching by faith with hopeful anticipation. Interestingly enough, the only ones who seemingly remembered His promise were the religious leaders who petitioned Pilate to post guards at the tomb. And they didn’t believe He would rise from the dead, but they were fearful His followers would remove His body and make that claim (Matthew 27:62-66).

How often do we get caught up in our grief and pain, and lose sight of our Lord’s promises? How often do we get so focused on all of the swirling activity around us, and lose sight that the One who has promised is able – and faithful – to accomplish all that He promised that He would? How often do we lose sight that even death and the grave can’t defeat Him? 

You might be walking through a period of time right now in your journey that feels just like it did for Mary (His mother), for John, for Mary Magdalene, or for Peter. All you see and all you feel is pain. The grief and despair are overwhelming. It feels like Jesus is laying in the tomb and there is no hope. Don’t believe that lie! Don’t even try and figure it all out. You can’t! But i’m here to tell you – Jesus isn’t laying in a tomb. He never was. He is at work on your behalf! 

In His perfect time, He will raise you out of that circumstance and pain. Trust Him – He who promised is able – and faithful – “…to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NASB).

Nothing can stand against Him. He silenced the boast of death, sin and the grave. What a powerful Name! What a beautiful Name! The Name of Jesus!

Portion excerpted from Taking Up The Cross, ch. 54

What A Beautiful Name 

Verse 1

You were the Word at the beginning
One With God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ

Chorus 1

What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

Verse 2

You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now 

Chorus 2

What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus 

Bridge

Death could not hold You, The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring, The praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again

 

You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name, above all names

 

Chorus 3

What a powerful Name it is
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

Songwriters: Brooke Ligertwood / Ben Fielding

What A Beautiful Name lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group