Certain names have ways of opening doors. Many movies have used the ploy of “I’m with so and so” to get a hero or villain into someplace fancy or exclusive that would otherwise be off limits to that person. Of course, in many of these situations that person is not actually “with” whoever it is they name drop.
I once had the privilege of being the liaison for Tim Keller, a very well known pastor and author, at a large Christian conference. My job, apart from driving him around and getting coffee with him, was to keep would-be autograph seekers and other fans from bothering him too much so that he could focus on his speaking and teaching commitments. I performed admirably apart from one lady who pushed my wife out of the way and reached over me to reach him in his seat as he was studying his notes before going on stage.
It was fun to spend time with him. As the unrecognizable half of our pairing, I had to explain multiple times that I was “with” Pastor Keller and not just some starstruck stranger. At one point I needed to get Tim backstage for a program check-in and mic-check but with zero clearance or credibility myself I repeatedly watched Pastor Keller walk through unchecked while I had to stop to explain who I was.
Tim Keller has the name and recognition to pass through doors at large Christian conferences without question. I imagine that he could simply show up at such conferences unannounced and be allowed in. I, on the other hand, wouldn’t make it through the front door as a general attender without a name tag, pass, or some other sort of credential. It was only because I was with Pastor Keller and because he vouched for me that I ever got to go backstage.
It is the same way with us and Christ. When Jesus came to earth he came to be with us, not just in a physical sense, but more significantly, in a way where he would vouch for us. He gifts us His credibility and uses the power of His name to grant us access to heaven. In fact, scripture tells us that even now he is beside the Father interceding on our behalf saying “They’re with me”.
When God himself goes around saying “they’re with me” you get instant eternal street cred. Emmanuel, coming to be with us at Christmas, does more than grant present comfort found in His presence with us. Christmas stretches into eternity where we will forever be saying “I’m with Jesus”.
If you are still walking around, trying to build your own credentials in order to get into right relationship with God, I want to beg you to reconsider. This Christmas season should serve as a powerful reminder that we can claim the credentials of Christ. We can ride into the most exclusive and eternal party on his coattails. Use these days to consider how much better His name is than yours and then join in the throng of saints singing “I’m with Jesus”.
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