What does "declare Your name" in Hebrews 2:12 mean for evangelism today? Setting the Scene in Hebrews 2 - Hebrews 2 focuses on Jesus’ full identification with humanity. - Verse 12 quotes Psalm 22:22, showing that the Messiah Himself promises, “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly”. - The “assembly” is the gathered people of God—first Israel, now the church—so the verse instantly points us toward public witness. What “Your Name” Means - In Scripture, God’s “name” is His revealed character, authority, and saving power (Exodus 34:5-7). - To “declare” that name is to make known who He is—holy, merciful, just, faithful, and now fully revealed in Jesus Christ (John 17:26). Jesus Models Evangelism - Jesus Himself proclaims the Father’s name (Hebrews 2:12). - By quoting Psalm 22, the writer links Christ’s sufferings and victory to our proclamation. - Our evangelism follows His pattern: suffering may come, but praise and proclamation remain central. Key Connections • Psalm 22:22 – original promise to declare God’s name after deliverance. • John 17:6, 26 – Jesus “made Your name known” to the disciples. • Acts 4:12 – salvation tied to “no other name.” • Romans 10:13-14 – people cannot believe unless they “hear.” • 1 Peter 2:9 – believers are “to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you.” Declare: More Than Words - Proclamation: speak the gospel clearly—who God is, what Christ did, why it matters. - Praise: “I will sing Your praises” links worship and witness; heartfelt worship authenticates the message. - Identification: Jesus calls us “brothers”; evangelism flows from family love, not mere duty. - Public setting: “in the assembly” encourages visible, corporate testimony, not private spirituality alone. Practical Takeaways for Evangelism Today • Start with God’s character. Present the gospel as revealing the holy, loving Father, not just a self-help plan. • Center on Jesus’ finished work; He is the full disclosure of the divine name. • Blend proclamation and praise—share testimony, then celebrate God together. • Keep it communal. Invite seekers into gathered worship where God’s name is exalted openly. • Expect opposition yet persevere; Psalm 22 moves from suffering to victory, mirroring many evangelistic experiences. • Rest in authority. We speak by His mandate; declaring God’s name carries divine backing. Summary: A Call to Proclaim Him Hebrews 2:12 shows Jesus publicly announcing the Father’s name among His people. Following His lead, evangelism today means joyfully revealing God’s character and salvation in Christ, combining clear gospel words with heartfelt worship, and doing so together so the watching world hears and sees the greatness of His name. |
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